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BENTON HARBOR — Lake Michigan College recognized 14 recruits last week for successfully completing the College’s first Police Academy session in 42 years. The Academy, which gained approval from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and the LMC Board of Trustees in 2023, has been reintroduced to address the anticipated wave of local law enforcement retirements.

“There is high demand for the next generation of well-trained law enforcement officers, both locally and nationwide. It’s estimated that in Berrien County alone there will be 130 retirements over the next five years,” stated LMC Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kenneth Flowers. “By bringing the Academy back, Lake Michigan College can partner with local municipalities to provide accessible, local training for those who want to serve their communities in this capacity.”

Those who were awarded Certificates of Completion during the graduation ceremony are:

Morgan Bohannon, Benton Township Police Department (Physical Fitness Award)

Cooper Christner, Buchanan Police Department

Charmayne DeLong, Niles Police Department (Academic Achievement Award)

Philip Huang, Benton Township Police Department

Dominick Klein, Buchanan Police Department

Brandon Lebeda, Cass County Sheriff’s Office (Class Speaker & Subject Control Award)

Michael Miller, St. Joseph Public Safety Department

Timothy Munn, Paw Paw Police Department

Tait Oppman, Cass County Sheriff’s Office (Leadership Award & MCOLES Outstanding Performance Award)

Brandon Rath, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (Emergency Vehicle Operations Awards)

Darnell Riddick, Dowagiac Police Department

Jacob Risner, Benton Township Police Department

Lukas Runser, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (Top Gun Award)

David Suarez, Cass County Sheriff’s Office

Graduates completed the rigorous 16-week program by exploring an extensive range of skill- and knowledge-based topics including emergency vehicle operation, firearms, patrol operations, active shooter response, field sobriety testing, and crime scene investigation. Candidates also focused on physical fitness, first aid, and the legal system.

To provide the highest level of specialized training, LMC worked with nearly 60 experts from local law enforcement agencies, area prosecutor offices, and the College’s own Health Sciences faculty to deliver the 615 hours of curriculum.

“We are grateful for the involvement of our community partners and College faculty. Their expertise not only prepares these candidates to sit for the MCOLES licensing exam, but also to successfully begin their careers with the essential knowledge and skills to be successful,” stated Brad Byerle, director of the LMC Police Academy. 

Each recruit entered the program sponsored by a local law enforcement agency. Municipalities received grant funding through the State of Michigan MCOLES Public Safety Academy Assistance program to cover the cost of tuition and the recruits’ hourly salary during training.

“State leaders recognize the challenges law enforcement agencies are facing to adequately staff their workforces. The grant funding appropriations built into the State budget make it financially possible for municipalities, especially smaller ones like those here in Southwest Michigan, to send recruits to the required basic training,” stated David Krueger, dean of LMC Career & Workforce Education.

The Lake Michigan College Police Academy is offered each summer on the College’s Benton Harbor campus.  Those interested in learning more or participating in future sessions should contact Brad Byerle, LMC Police Academy director at bbyerle@lakemichigancollege.edu.