(Watertown) A Watertown man was among those who received their badges Thursday as part of the Wisconsin State Patrol’s 68th Recruit Class. Gregory Zuehlke and 16 others will be assigned to serve communities across the state. Zuehlke’s assignment was to the Southeast Region – Waukesha Post.
State Patrol officers serve in a variety of roles, including enforcement officers; inspectors; crash reconstruction experts; airplane and drone pilots; and dignitary protection, K-9 and motorcycle officers.
At the ceremony, Governor Tony Evers said committing to a life in law enforcement is a big sacrifice, but it will also open the door to an incredibly rewarding career in public service. He also reminded those graduating that the work they do matters in the lives of those that they serve, whether it be from helping a stranded driver with a flat tire to saving lives.
The graduation ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the 26 weeks of training required to become a State Patrol officer. The cadets completed classroom and scenario courses at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy to meet state law enforcement training standards.
The new troopers will receive 12 additional weeks of on-the-job field training at their assigned posts in State Patrol’s five regions throughout Wisconsin.
