Recruits graduate from Sioux Falls law enforcement training program

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - On Friday, 19 recruits graduated from the Law Enforcement Training program in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley was present at the Old Courthouse Museum to congratulate the graduating recruits at the ceremony.

"We need more officers on the streets, protecting communities, protecting homes, and Sioux Falls is helping to do that with this academy," said Jackley.

This was the sixth Law Enforcement Training program to graduate from the Sioux Falls Regional Academy. The academy was started in 2020 and is managed by the state Law Enforcement Training program.

"I'm grateful to be a part of a law enforcement agency, especially Lincoln County Sheriff's. I'm excited to go out there and utilize my training experience and be able to change somebody's day with my training," said Temothy Rodriguez Gomez.

As part of its partnership in the regional academy, the Sioux Falls Police Department contributes adjunct instructors for the program and hosts the program in its facility.

The Sioux Falls program lasts 13 weeks. Graduates are required to complete 520 hours of coursework that includes instruction on the law, arrest control tactics, firearms, vehicle handling, and criminal investigations.

"Overall, South Dakota is in good shape nationwide because of the various different components we do and the fact that we have consistent and equal training. We're training deputy sheriffs and police officers together, we have the same curriculum, and I think that makes our officers better and I think that makes our law enforcement across the state stronger," said Jackley.

Members of the 191st Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course and their law enforcement organization are:

Samantha Ariasola, Sioux Falls Police Department.

George Babbage, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Dylan Benes, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Austin Bennett, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Spenser Bermudez, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Tianna Bumbaca-Kuehl, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Lucas Fisher, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Katherine Frank, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

Rex Harrison, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Kyle Hartze, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Dominick Hintz-Stahl, Sioux Falls Police Department.