Muskego Police Citizens Academy Graduates Another Group

The 20th class to graduate from the 's Citizen's Academy received their certificates in a ceremony at the Muskego Moose Lodge Wednesday night.

"I have to admit, when I first heard of the program, I was skeptical," said Police Chief Paul Geiszler. "However, I have seen what the program can do to help citizens understand what it is we do, and why we do it, in order to help us out."

Gary Mrotek, who is in charge of the program, which instructs students on various police tactics, tools and procedures and often allows for hands-on experience, said also that a group of alumni have organized to keep everyone that has come through the program to stay in touch and informed.

"We'd like to keep everyone in touch, and perhaps offer additional training opportunities for this group, for things like CPR and other life saving skills," he explained.  The group will stay in touch through Linked In.

Mrotek also said that they are planning on offering citizens emergency response team (CERT) training in January or February to the public.  This 21-hour training allows citizens to learn how to handle situations like power outages, accidents, flooding and police assistance in cases like the aftermath of a tornardo or other weather event.

"You've already gone through classes to get an idea of what it is the police do, and this is an extension of how citizens can help police out, and be called upon in situations to broaden our ability to handle a situation," Mrotek explained.

The next class for Citizen's Academy will be held in March of 2012.