JANESVILLE — Eighteen students graduated on Friday, Dec. 8 from Blackhawk Technical College’s Law Enforcement Recruit Academy. This was the 91st class to graduate from the academy, which dates back to April 1966.

Troy Egger, Academy Director, said this academy class stands out for their dedication to the community and to their peers.

“It’s been great to see how things have evolved and how the students took care of each other and held each other accountable and helped the younger ones mature in such a short time,” Egger said.

Over the past four years, about half of the academy classes have done a community project, and this class came together to raise more than $400 for the YWCA Rock County’s Care House and Child Advocacy Center in Janesville.

Andrew Maloney was chosen as the class speaker and said he is proud of his classmates for taking on this challenging profession.

“I look at Class 23-91, and I see leaders. The class is full of passionate people who have a genuine desire to serve and protect their communities,” Maloney said.

Graduates for local agencies include:

●  Craig Christensen, Brodhead Police Department

●  Justin Hoffman, Monroe Police Department

●  Nermin Karabegovic, Monroe Police Department

●  Benjamin Preston, Monroe Police Department

Blackhawk’s Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy prepares students for certification as a law enforcement officer. Over the course of 720 instructional hours, recruits focus on the theories of law enforcement needed to be a sworn member of law enforcement in Wisconsin. In addition to the class instruction and hands-on practical exercises, recruits spend at least a half-hour of outside study time for every hour of class time. Upon completion, recruits are eligible for certification with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.