Lake Michigan College Police Academy cadets recognized during graduation ceremony
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Thirteen recruits were recognized for successful completion of the 2025 Lake Michigan College Police Academy during a graduation ceremony held Wednesday in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor campus.
Graduates completed the rigorous 16-week program by mastering an extensive range of skills- 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.
Upon completion of the LMC Police Academy, 100% of the class passed the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards licensing exam.
“We are proud of these recruits who have spent the past four months developing their law enforcement skills and knowledge. The program is physically and mentally demanding. The disciplined training they’ve completed prepares them well to be of service to the community departments they will work for,” stated Brad Byerle, Director of the LMC Police Academy.
Those receiving Certificates of Completion during the graduation ceremony are:
Robert Andrews, Baroda-Lake Township Police Department (Red Hawk Award)
Andrew Blomgren, Niles Police Department (Emergency Vehicle Operations Award)
Katelyn Cooke, Buchanan Police Department (Most Improved Award)
Colton Creed, Niles Police Department
Nick Davis, Cass County Sheriff’s Office
Sam Douglass, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (Academic Achievement Award, Subject Control Award, Leadership Award, MCOLES Outstanding Performance Award)
Stephen Engles, Niles Police Department (Class Speaker, Top Gun Award)
Matthew Grinnewald, Dowagiac Police Department
Hailey Heppner, Cass County Sheriff’s Department
Riley Hess, Coloma Township Police Department
Sotiros Margartis, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office
Noah Peppers, Benton Township Police Department
Blane Sutherland, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (Fitness & Wellness Award)
Recruits received top-level instruction from nearly 60 experts from local law enforcement agencies, area prosecutor’s offices, and the College’s own Health Sciences faculty to deliver 615 hours of curriculum.
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 a portion of the cost of tuition and the recruits’ hourly salary during training.
“Grant funding from the State of Michigan is essential for communities in Southwest Michigan to recruit and train new officers who will fill the shoes of those who are retiring,” stated David Krueger, Dean of LMC Career & Workforce Education. “It’s critical for the continuity of public safety and protection in the communities we call home.”
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.
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- August 28, 2025
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