Dane County Citizen’s Academy Concludes Tonight

October 30, 2007
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

October 30, 2007. Madison, WI – At a celebration beginning at 6:00 PM tonight, Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney will be presenting certificates to the 18 participants completing the Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy. The event will take place at the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center located on HWY 19 in the town of Westport. The group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for the past 11 weeks. This is the second year the Dane County Sheriff’s Office has offered the inside look at the workings of the department. The program began as part of the Dane County Citizen Corps initiative funded through the Office of Justice Assistance. The participants, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, have been able to experience everything from a ride along with the Dane County Marine and Trail Enforcement deputies, to shooting a handgun, and touring the Dane County Jail facilities. Participant John Erlandson of Madison had this to say about the program. “What really, really stuck with me was the compassion and human face the academy puts on the Sheriff’s Office. The dedication of the employees is amazing.” Another participant, Fred Wallen of Sun Prairie stated, “I have been very impressed by the professionalism of all we encountered.” The Dane County Sheriff’s Office hopes to offer the program again in 2008. Enrollment opportunities will be announced next summer through the media and on our website at www.danesheriff.com.