Seven new officer-recruits have begun their training with the Rapid City Police Department. The new recruits will be officially sworn in as officers on June 5th.
The Summer 2019 recruit class consists of:
- Wyatt Derr – Officer Derr comes to the RCPD after serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also served as Correctional Officer with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Originally from Caputa, Officer Derr enjoys hiking, working out, and video games in his free time.
- Jeff Doerksen – Officer Doerksen grew up in Rapid City. A graduate of Stevens High School, Officer Doerksen received his degree in Youth Ministry from Grace University. He spends his off time spending time with his family, hunting, camping, and hiking.
- Ekaras Jackson – Hailing from Riverside, CA, Officer Jackson comes to the RCPD with six years of service in the U.S. Air Force and two years of experience as a Correctional Officer within the PCSO. When he’s not working, he can be found enjoying the Black Hills hunting and fishing.
- James Jones – Originally from Alliance, OH, Officer Jones comes to the RCPD with four years of service in the U.S. Air Force. There, he worked as a weapons load crew member. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time coaching football and baseball.
- Kelsey Miller – Officer Miller comes to the RCPD after attaining a Sociology degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings. There, she serves as a Correctional Officer for the Brookings County Detention Center. She’s been a member of the RCPD for several months after being hired on as a Community Service Officer. In her off time, she enjoys spending time with friends, and exploring the Black Hills on her motorcycle.
- Morgan Portra – Officer Portra grew up in South Dakota. She received a degree in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University. She’s most recently served as a Community Service Officer with the RCPD, and Officer Portra enjoys hiking, playing hockey, and spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs.
- Carter Smith – Originally from Ramsey, MN, Officer Smith joins the RCPD with three years of law enforcement service at the Sturgis Police Department. His off time activities include hiking, photography, and helping in ministry.
These officers will continue their in-house training at the RCPD. From there, they will leave to attend the 13-week state police academy in Pierre. After graduating from the academy later this year, the new officers will be certified to work in law enforcement in South Dakota. The officers will then be required to complete the RCPD’s Police Officer Field Training Program before receiving a permanent shift assignment for the remainder of their 18-month probationary period.