Police Explorers wrap up another year

By Scott Bellile

New London High School senior Ashley Gruetzmacher was named the 2015-16 Explorer of the Year at the Police Explorers’  ceremony held on May 22.

The 12 members of Explorer Post 9801 recapped to family members what they learned over the last year about traffic stops, SWAT, room clearing and defense and arrest tactics.

They also shared details on their performance in the Fox Valley Law Enforcement Exploring Competition at Fox Valley Technical College. There they placed sixth out of 16 teams overall including third in the Field First Aid category.

Group members also earned community service hours and funding by patrolling the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Sturgeon Shuffle and Iola Car Show. The money was used to buy equipment and provide scholarships for four departing high school seniors.

Members of the group during the 2015-16 academic year were Cody Bigalke, Ashley Gruetzmacher, Eric Kamholz, Joshua Kislewski, Keegan Krause, Cody Luedke, Zoe Newlun, Peter Ozminkowski, Isaac Tews, Sadie Thebo and Kyla Werner.

The Explorers are led by New London Police Department Sgt. Joshua Wilson and detective Chase Schroeder.