Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Sheriff Dale Rantala is shown with the two corrections officers who completed a training course in Marquette. Officers Ken Waaldrop (left) and Ryan Tucker (right) proudly hold their diplomas.
by JAN TUCKER
MARQUETTE - On Feb. 11 Sheriff Dale Rantala with approval of the Ontonagon County Commission sent two corrections officers from the Ontonagon County Sheriff's Department to Marquette for a six-week corrections training academy.
Ryan Tucker and Ken Waldrop completed the academy held at the Ramada in Marquette. The academy instructor was led by Captain Brian Steed of the Marquette County Sheriff's Department with the help of numerous sergeants from Steed's department. 17 corrections officers from 10 different U.P. counties completed the academy. The course consisted of 13 different study modules of LCOTS Michigan approved training. Officers tested out of each module and took a 135 question final exam at the end of the academy. The final week of the academy included defensive tactics and students had to be instructed in separate rooms because of COVID-19. Both Tucker and Waldrop averaged over 98% on their tests throughout the academy, including the final exam.
The graduation was held on Friday. Ken Waldrop was the class speaker and told the class that the academy was well instructed and thanked classmates for the camaraderie and knowledge of how other departments throughout the U.P. operate. Captain Steed also spoke at graduation saying that "the class was certainly one of the most mature that I have ever instructed and after seeing how you all work, I would be proud to serve with every single one of you". Sheriff Dale Rantala said that both Tucker and Waldrop as expected took the training very serious and that he is very proud of his officers.
