Eleven DPS Recruits Graduate from 50th Certified Academy

Several recruits recently graduated from the 50th Certified Academy.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says a ceremony recognizing a graduating class of eleven recruits who previously served as certified officers in law enforcement agencies across Iowa was held earlier this spring in Des Moines.

Conducted at Camp Dodge, the ten-week Academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill persons and several other courses in law enforcement. 

These 50th Certified Academy graduates have been assigned districts: 

Matthew Butcher – District 1, Dallas County
Jared Coyle – District 10, Delaware County
Riley Doeppke – District 10, Clayton County
Darin Hofer – District 3, Fremont County
Jake Hudson – District 10, Dubuque County
Ian Jargo – District 11, Linn County
Nathan Nemmers – District 1, Polk County
Jason Schamberger – District 11, Linn County
Kyle Slifka – District 1, Dallas County
Benjamin Smith – District 11, Poweshiek County
Mitchell Van Beek – District 6, Lyon County

Recruits who received special recognition for their performance include: 

Nathan Nemmers – Valedictorian

Benjamin Smith – Distinguished Graduate  

Jared Coyle – Meritorious Peer 

Darin Hofer – Top Gun Award

Earnest Baty Jr. Physical Fitness Award Winners: 

Jake Hudson

Jared Coyle

Mitchell Van Beek 

Matthew Butcher

“We are extremely proud of these graduates and grateful to them for choosing to answer the call with the State of Iowa,” said Stephan K. Bayens, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “At this point in history, I believe it is the most important time to be a law enforcement officer. There’s divisiveness, brokenness, and crime is on the rise. I cannot think of a more significant time for men and women to step up and bridge that gap, and I thank them for it,” Bayens added.

photo courtesy of DPS