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SWIC Police Academy Session 146 Graduates

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Police Academy Graduates — The Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of Session 146. The SWIC Police Academy is an intensive academic and physical training program designed to prepare recruits to enter a career in law enforcement. It is one of only seven police academies in Illinois.

Graduates in alphabetical order include:

  • Nolan R. Beggs of the Centralia Police Department
  • Gianna B. Bivona of the Quincy Police Department
  • Daniel E. Boles of the Metamora Police Department
  • Joshua G. Brandenburg of the Greenup Police Department
  • Tory J. Bridgeforth of the Dixmoor Police Department
  • Emily R. Briley of the Collinsville Police Department
  • Bryce C. Bumphrey of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office
  • Louis M. Butz of the Moline Police Department
  • Levi J. Cox of the SIU Edwardsville Police Department
  • Brian A. Cunningham of the Franklin Police Department
  • Seth A. Davis of the Petersburg Police Department
  • Colin L. Dearing of the Creve Coeur Police Department
  • Michael A. Dodson of the Centralia Police Department
  • Cassidy A. Dunavan of the Mcleansboro Police Department
  • Jacob D. Fenton of the Montgomery Police Department
  • Darren M. Finley of the Silvis Police Department
  • Jordan S. Frerker of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
  • Justin D. Gaither of the Brooklyn Police Department
  • David C. Geesey of the Savanna Police Department, winner of the Most Improved over all in Physical Fitness Award
  • Tyler J. Gholson of the Minooka Police Department
  • Mitchell D. Gray of the Marquette Heights Police Department
  • Raymond M. Groves of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
  • Jennifer L. Guerrero of the Moline Police Department
  • Cody R. Hand of the Anna Police Department
  • James A. Harp of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
  • Patrick W. Hayes of the Knoxville Police Department
  • Jason M. Herren of the Pike County Police Department
  • Luke J. Hildebrand of the Sherman Police Department
  • Trevor D. Hodge of the Morris Police Department
  • Tyler R. Hughes of the Leland Grove Police Department
  • Devin S. Jackson of the Mt. Vernon Police Department
  • Paulina K. Jalowiec of the Glendale Heights Police Department
  • Christopher Jansen of the Centralia Police Department
  • Dakota W. Jenkins of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
  • Darius R Johnson of the Dixmoor Police Department
  • Kailey L. Johnson of the Silvis Police Department
  • Patrick S. Jolly of the New Baden Police Department
  • Olivia R. Jones of the Fairview Heights Police Department
  • Dakota A. Josten of the West Frankfort Police Department
  • Brian P. Joy of the Collinsville Police Department
  • Colton G. Juelfs of the Valmeyer Police Department
  • Robert S. Kemper of the Paris Police Department
  • Jared T. King of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, winner of the Best Overall in Fitness Award and Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association Most Outstanding Office Award.
  • Rachel A. King of the Zeigler Police Department
  • Robert A. Ladove of the Carbondale Police Department
  • Guadalupe Lopez of the Minooka Police Department
  • Mitchell M. Malone of the Carmi Police Department
  • Aaron M. Matyas of the Venice Police Department
  • Noah R. Mayes of the Williamsville Police Department
  • Ryne M. McCoy of the Carbondale Police Department
  • Carter J. Meister of the Fairbury Police Department, winner of the Academic Award
  • Heath X. Milan of the Knoxville Police Department
  • Shiquita D. Morales of the Shiloh Police Department
  • Garrett E. Morhardt of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
  • Brian T. Morris of the Caseyville Police Department
  • Sergio Perez Lamas, Jr. of the SWIC Police Department
  • Brendan S. Peterson of the Maryville Police Department
  • Jace S. Poskevich of the SIU Carbondale Police Department, winner of the Southern Illinios Police Chiefs Association Most Outstanding Officer Award.
  • Casie L. Price of the Morris Police Department
  • Jacob M. Quillen of the El Dorado Police Department
  • Bryan J. Ramirez of the South Beloit Police Department
  • Caleb J. Reed of the Mt. Vernon Police Department
  • Logan A. Rhodes of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
  • Jailon C. Rush of the Mt. Vernon Police Department
  • Justin L. Sailliez of the West Frankfort Police Department
  • Javier Sanchez of the Morris Police Department
  • Kenyon A. Sanders of the Venice Police Department
  • Shannon M. Sayers of the Shiloh Police Department
  • Anna M. Schneidewend of the Morris Police Department
  • Christopher J. Seders of the Steeleville Police Department
  • Tanner D. Selph of the Mount Olive Police Department
  • Gino D. Serra of the Leland Grove Police Department
  • Michael D. Shewmaker of the O’Fallon Police Department
  • Devin R. Sims of the Brooklyn Police Department
  • Tyler E. Smith of the Douglas County Police Department, winner of the Defense Tactics Award
  • Brandon F. Smythe of the Grayville Police Department
  • Austin R. Stroud of the Henry County Police Department
  • Paige A. Swisher of the SIU Edwardsville Police Department
  • Kaylan N. Talley of the Leland Grove Police Department
  • Trenton L. Taylor of the Richland County Police Department
  • Tyler A. Tharp of the Woodriver Police Department
  • Jasmine M. Toliver of the Carbondale Police Department
  • Trey S. Wade of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dallas C. Wakeland of the Aledo Police Department
  • Thomas J. Walker of the Streator Police Department
  • Travis E. Walker of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Jesse S. Williams of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
  • Corbin B. Winans of the Bethany Police Department
  • Brett L. Winegarner of the Centralia Police Department
  • Trevor A. Wuebbles of the Pinckneyville Police Department
  • Michael J. Wulf of the Fairview Heights Police Department
  • Sean K. Yates of the Bunker Hill Police Department
  • Samuel M. Zaerr of the Pittsfield Police Department, class president
  • Evan J. Zeller of the Alton Police Department
  • Kyle A. Zurek of the Itasca Police Department

SWIC offers Respiratory Care degree – profession ranked 16th in the nation

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Southwestern Illinois College Respiratory Care Program Coordinator Diane Dodd could have told you what a great profession Respiratory Care is even before U.S. News and World Report named it the 6th Best Health Care Job and the 16th Best Job in the country for 2022.

“Respiratory Therapists are essential frontline workers who help patients with a variety of respiratory and cardiac issues get better and get back to their healthy lifestyle,” Dodd said. “They play a vital role in hospitals and patient care.”

The magazine ranked the profession high on its list based on the combination of factors such as salary, job market, job satisfaction and stress level.

SWIC offers a two-year, 71-semester-credit Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. The program prepares students for entry-level practitioner positions in the profession. Respiratory therapists have a high level of patient contact.

RTs, under the supervision of a physician, see patients of all ages to assist in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of pulmonary problems. The practice of respiratory care entails: monitoring, evaluating and reporting patients’ cardiopulmonary status, providing treatments and ventilatory support to keep the airway open. In addition, RT’s perform sleep studies, metabolic studies, patient, community and family education, home care, discharge planning and follow up, as well as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Applications for the SWIC program are accepted Sept. 1 through May 1 for the following fall semester.

Averaged over a three-year period, 98 percent of SWIC graduates passed the national certification examination required for licensure.

SWIC graduate survey results, also averaged over a three-year period, indicate 94.7 percent of graduates are employed in the profession within 12 months after completing the program.

“RTs are in high demand,” Dodd said. “There is a nationwide shortage and hospitals are looking for new graduates.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report article, the profession is expected to grow by 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, with an estimated 31,100 jobs opening in that time.

In addition, the median salary for Respiratory Therapists in the nation was $62,810 in 2020.

“The program is very hands on,” Dodd said. “Our students work in clinical facilities as part of their education and most students receive multiple job offers from their clinical sites before they even graduate.” 

For more information about the SWIC Respiratory Care program, visit swic.edu/respiratory-care or contact Dodd at 618-235-2700, ext. 5907 or diane.dodd@swic.edu.

SWIC recently graduated largest Police Academy class with Session 145

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The Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of Session 145. The SWIC Police Academy is an intensive academic and physical training program designed to prepare recruits to enter a career in law enforcement. It is one of only seven police academies in Illinois.

Graduates in alphabetical order include:
 

  • Benjamin M. Abney of the Johnston City Police Department
  • Sarah A. Alvarez of the Fairview Heights Police Department
  • Joshua T. Anderson of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Johnathan W. Ashlock of the Sandoval Police Department, winner of the Jeremy Chambers Top Gun Firearms Award
  • Allen J. Averbeck of the Alton Police Department
  • Blake M. Bachmann of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, winner of the Academic Award
  • Justin D. Benton of the Edwardsville Police Department
  • Paul M. Blankley of the Granite City Police Department
  • Andrew C. Bode of the Edwardsville Police Department
  • Marshal T. Brooks of the SWIC Public Safety Department
  • Tyler E. Bucco of the Creve Coeur Police Department
  • Aleksandr M. Budnik of the Hebron Police Department
  • Chase J. Burk of the Winchester Police Department
  • Brandon L. Burkett of the Flora Police Department
  • James N. Capeheart of the Shawneetown Police Department, class president and winner of the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association Most Outstanding Officer Award.
  • Christian M. Cepeda of the Metropolis Police Department
  • Corey R. Cline of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, winner of the Defense Tactics Award
  • Tyler R. Coffey of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
  • Allen J. Cooley of the Chenoa Police Department
  • Allie E. Cooper of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Police Department
  • Caren L. Cyvas of the McKendree Public Safety Department
  • Joshua L. DeHeve of the University of Illinois Springfield Police Department
  • Jordan A. Felax of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office
  • Mark S. Fenske III of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Kelly M. Fischer of the Edwardsville Police Department
  • Zachary D. Fitzgerald of the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Jake R. Freeman of the Greenville Police Department
  • Trenton S. Gonzalez of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Chase E. Harrison of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office
  • Kaylan M. Hendrickson of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, winner of the Most Improved Over All in Physical Fitness Award
  • Jordan E. Hernandez of the Sesser Police Department
  • Leonardo M. Hernandez of the Nokomis Police Department, winner of the Best Over All in Physical Fitness Award
  • Evan M. Hillier of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office
  • Joseph M. Howell of the Venice Police Department
  • Joshua M. Hyman of the Collinsville Police Department
  • Samuel A. Jackson of the Coles County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dylan D. Jeffords of the West Frankfort Police Department
  • Anthony R. Jellison of the North Pekin Police Department
  • Jay L. Joiner of the Metropolis Police Department
  • Taylor G. Kalous of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department
  • Kurtis L. Kimbro of the SWIC Public Safety Department
  • Taylor L. Kirchhofer of the Waverly Police Department
  • Matthew W. Long of the Carmi Police Department
  • Ryan M. Lutes of the Spring Valley Police Department
  • Anthony E. Matthews of the Alton Police Department
  • Adam T. Miller of the Alton Police Department
  • James L. Minton Jr. of the Washington Police Department
  • Austin L. Mulkey of the Albion Police Department
  • Logan T. Murray of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
  • Tyler D. Norris of the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Chralene A. O’Dell of the SWIC Public Safety Department
  • Remington G. Paris of the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Christopher A. Parks of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Hunter S. Parks of the South Jacksonville Police Department
  • Brennan C. Poland of the Effingham Police Department
  • Gavin D. Prater of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dreyton Z. Ruholl of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Isaac J. Smith of the Vandalia Police Department
  • Bobby L. Smith Jr. of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Blake M. Starkweather of the Herrin Police Department 
  • Jason J. Stimeling of the North Pekin Police Department
  • Lucas J. Tobin of the Carbondale Police Department
  • Corey A. Waide of the McLeansboro Police Department
  • Mack W. Waldman of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office
  • Donald W. Watkins Jr. of the Grayville Police Department
  • Taylor D. White of the Tuscola Police Department
  • Joshua R. Whitecotton of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office
  • Thomas M. Wicker of the White County Sheriff’s Office

SWIC HSE and CNA grad earns perfect scores on program tests, finals and clinicals

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Brandy Ballett was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she decided she wanted to better the lives of her family members, and help other people at the same time. Ballett then took the first step toward her future by enrolling in the High School Equivalency certification program at Southwestern Illinois College.

“I wanted to return to school and chose to attend SWIC because my aunt graduated from SWIC and had a great experience,” Ballett said.

While attending her Healthcare Bridge classes, Ballett was informed that she might qualify for a free Certified Nursing Assistant course through Adult Education. After she went through the review and qualification process, she was approved and began taking the CNA course.

“SWIC has opened the door to help me achieve what I want to do,” Ballett said. “My instructors, Stephanie Reid and Lori Phillips, were extremely helpful, understanding, made learning fun and gave me real-world experience.”

Ballett made sure to study hard, ask questions, be on-time to class and have good attendance. This dedication paid-off for her because at the end of her CNA course, she was notified that she earned a perfect score on all of her exams and clinicals.

“I studied a lot and my instructors were always helpful, passionate about teaching and truly want their students to succeed,” said Ballett.

Ballett received her HSE certification in October of 2019. She plans to work part-time as a CNA, return to SWIC in the fall to continue her studies to become a nurse and eventually work in a hospital.    

When not attending school, Ballett enjoys being with her family. She and her husband, Robert, live in Fairview Heights with their two sons: Jackson, 4, and Joseph, 2.

For more information about SWIC’s HSE certification, call 618-235-2700, ext. 5525, or toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5525. For more information about the CNA program visit swic.edu/nurse-assistant.

SWIC Nursing Students have Thanksgiving spirit

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Southwestern Illinois College Nursing Education Students, from left, Macella Miller of Freeburg, Madeline Herbert and Keith Spier, both of Belleville, Amy Sand of Mascoutah, Terri Blackman of O’Fallon, Cheryl Laubinger of Belleville, Bethany Holik of Granite City, Tremika Clark of Belleville, Jennifer Burkett of O’Fallon, Carrie Gonzalez of Nashville and Amanda Boswell of Freeburg load boxes of food to help 39 local families have a brighter Thanksgiving. All 195 Nursing Education program students, Nursing faculty and staff participated in the food drive, which ran through November. Each class collected food from different categories to ensure the meals were well balanced. The Student Nurse Association delivered the meals Monday to these families throughout the college district. The SNA members selected families they knew needed the support. This is the ninth year the student nurses have conducted the food drive.  

SWIC ranked No. 5 top value for nursing programs in Illinois

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Southwestern Illinois College’s Nursing Education program is ranked No. 5 for Best Value in the state, according to online magazine Nursing Explorer.

The magazine rated 1,721 nursing programs in 45 states based on information from the Department of Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. SWIC placed at the No. 5 spot out of 63 programs in Illinois.

“We’re very proud to offer such a high-quality program at an affordable price,” said Julie Muertz, dean of the SWIC Health Sciences and Homeland Security Division. “Our program is well-known throughout the Metro East and St. Louis for graduating qualified RNs. I’m glad we’re getting recognition at the state level too.”

The ranking scores are based on the NCLEX nursing exam pass rate and the institution’s net-price. Each school was awarded a score between 1 and 100 that reflects the quality of education offered at the school and the program’s affordability. Rankings can be viewed at https://www.nursingexplorer.com/states/illinois.

If a school has a high NCLEX pass rate and low tuition, then its ranks will be higher. Averaged over the last five years, SWIC has a 90 percent NCLEX pass rate. Tuition and fees are only $122 per semester credit, plus financial aid and scholarships.

SWIC offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing Education. The program includes classroom and hands-on lab instruction, as well as clinical experience working with real patients in health care facilities.

Registered nurses provide a variety of comprehensive medical services that range from promoting good hygiene to administering medication in order to maintain or restore a patient’s good health. Nurses practice in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physicians’ offices, schools, industries and home-health-care settings.

For more information about the SWIC Nursing Education program, contact the Nursing Education Director Angela Gilbreth at 618-235-2700, ext. 5268 or angela.gilbreth@swic.edu, or visit swic.edu/nursing.

Police Academy Graduates

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SWIC Session 138 Police Academy Graduates

The Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of Session 138. The SWIC Police Academy is an intensive academic and physical training program designed to prepare recruits to enter a career in law enforcement. It is one of only seven police academies in Illinois.

Graduates include, from left, front row:

Officer Leonard L. Bowen of the Rock Island Police Department

Officer Kelsey A. Bowman of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Ethan A. Brinson of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Thomas C. Carlock of the Jacksonville Police Department

Officer Alexander R. DeWall of the East Alton Police Department

Officer Nathan R. Eck of the Flora Police Department – Winner Academic Honors Award


Second row:

Officer Gregory M. Ferguson of the Rock Island Police Department – Winner Defense Tactics Award

Officer Claudia P. Gallegos of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Brandon T. Genenbacher of the Hamilton Police Department  

Officer Timothy D. Herink of the Farmington Police Department

Officer Adam S. Heuser of the Madison Police Department

Officer Gary C. Hoaks of the Clifton Police Department


Third row:

Officer Mason T. Ingram of the Waterloo Police Department – Winner Jeremy Chambers Top Gun Firearms Award  

Officer Tyler R. Johnson (of Fairmount) of the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group

Officer Samantha K. Jones of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. Krump of the Columbia Police Department

Officer Joshua D. Lee of the Oregon Police Department

Intern Katelyn M. Lucia (of Highland) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer John P. Lulek of the Arthur Police Department Officer

Jordan M. May (of Collinsville) of the SWIC Public Safety Department– Winner Best Overall in Physical Fitness Award


Fourth row:

Officer Tylor G. McBride of the Litchfield Police Department

Intern Lane G. Messerli (of Greenville) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer James B. Miller of the Prophetstown Police Department – Winner Most Improved Over all in Physical Fitness Award

Officer Jordan M. Miller of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Joseph R. Myers of the Cahokia Police Department

Officer Raymond J. Navarro of the Burnham Police Department

Officer Justin L. Nollau of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Andrew R. M. Ray of the Flora Police Department – Class President and Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Most Outstanding Officer Award


Fifth row:                       

Officer Joel R. Rush of the Belleville Police Department

Officer Cydny T. Saxer of the Jacksonville Police Department

Deputy Jacob M. Seed (of Lawrenceville) of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

Intern Scott Waldrup (of Mascoutah) of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

Officer Bryant J. Weaver of the Sesser Police Department

Officer Justin S. Webb of the McLeansboro Police Department

Officer Tyler M. Wildrick of the Havana Police Department


SWIC photo by Dena Roland Woods 6-4-19