Newly minted Mount Pleasant police Officers Cody Smith and Eric Oertel were sworn in Monday during the village board meeting.
Chief Tim Zarzecki introduced them and gave a brief summary of their backgrounds. Police Chaplain Jeff Butler from True Life Ministries delivered the invocation and said a prayer for protection, strength, understanding, insight and peace.
Smith hails from Seward, NE, and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He also holds a Master’s degree from Argosy University and has worked as a swim instructor, football coach and youth treatment counselor.
Smith graduated from the police academy in December at the top of his class, and Zarzecki noted that he went through the academy at his own cost. He was hired in January.
Oertel is a Racine-area native and graduate of Racine Lutheran High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology from Washington State University.
Oertel was hired by the department last August and also recently completed the academy.
Both officers are going currently going through a 14-week field training period.
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