6/13/2025

IRONWOOD - The second annual Gogebic County Law Enforcement Academy was held at Gogebic Community College this week, giving high school students a chance to gain some hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement. 16 students from the U.P., lower Michigan and Wisconsin attended the event, put on by the Michigan State Police. Participants got hands on training with real world situations like defensive driving, traffic stops, de-escalations and house calls. Michigan State Police 8th District Public Information Officer Lt. Ben Eckola says over the course of the academy, participants learn how much they’re truly capable of, unlocking skills in themselves that they weren’t even aware they had. Repeat “attender”, Chloe Snell said not only do attendees walk away with more confidence, they form connections and relationships that can be invaluable. Snell encourages anyone with curiosity about a career in law enforcement to attend.