Crime & Safety

A Journey Through the MFPD Comes to an End

The Menomonee Falls Police Department added 18 new ambassadors of the force to the community on Tuesday.

Tuesday evening marked the end of a 13-week journey (15 if you count our weeks of) through the ins and outs of the . The third session class officially graduated during a ceremony held in the Village Hall boardroom.

From , , mounting the turret of a tactical vehicle or preventing crimes against children, we did it all with open minds and a willingness to learn.

It was that willingness to learn, not only from our session, but also from the two other Citizen’s Academy classes that came before us, that MFPD Police Capt. Mark Waters praised.

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He said too often folks have a preconceived notion about who the police are and how they operate. Sometimes, that perception is not only false, but also negative. He congratulated graduates on Tuesday for their willingness to find the answers, rather than rest in their own perception of the force.

But the job for Citizen’s Academy graduates didn’t end on Tuesday. In fact, it marked a beginning for all 18 grads. Waters challenged each an every person to tell others in the community about what they now know, and to help educate the public with their newfound knowledge.

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In a sense we became ambassadors for the force. As a journalist, I understand my role is to not only promote truth but to also hold public officials accountable. So my role is a little more dichotomous that simply an ambassador.

Believe me, I haven’t lost that in my time in the academy. However, I can firmly say I received a deeper understanding of the MFPD and law enforcement in general, which I believe will only help me gather and produce better content for everyone who visits Menomonee Falls Patch.

But knowledge was only the first aspect of the academy. Throughout the 13 weeks, all 18 classmates came together a little more and strangers became friends. Through those 13 weeks, 18 Falls residents built friendships with those who protect and serve.

And who were those 17 other graduates? I’d like to aknowledge all my classmates right now.

Congratulations to:

  • Diane Braatz
  • Amy Daul
  • Nancy Greifenhagen
  • Carol Griffin
  • Karen Grey
  • Dr. Gary Kiltz
  • Jeffrey Krause
  • Eric Lowenthal
  • Ndiva Malafa
  • Debbie Miller
  • John  Miller
  • Karen Nelson
  • Larry Owen
  • Michael Russell
  • John Seymour
  • Nancy Wendlandt
  • Barb Watters
  • (and me)

And before I wrap-up this article, I need to extend and open invitation to anyone else who might have an interest in signing up for the next session. Waters said one of the most remarkable aspects of the Citizen’s Academy in Menomonee Falls is that it has grown each year since it began.

So if you want to follow the same path myself and 17 others did this fall, send an email over to Sgt. John Thomae and let him know you are interested.


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