4/19/23 Ripon Area School District Announces Second School Resource Officer
19 April 2023 News
RIPON, Wis. — The Ripon Area School District (RASD) is pleased to announce the administration
recommends Officer Brad Rasmussen as the second School Resource Officer (SRO) for RASD
beginning July 1, 2023. He will join the current SRO, Officer Lindsey Michels, doubling the SRO
coverage for the District. Brad comes to RASD from the Ripon Police Department, where he has
been working as an officer and investigator since October of 2021. Previously, he was an officer with
the Waupun Police Department for four years. Officer Rasmussen has a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin Stout, and completed Law
Enforcement Academy through Chippewa Valley Technical College. He has a host of training on
topics including professional communication and mental health, crowd control tactics, active shooter
incident management, active shooter/attacker response, child abduction response, and drug
recognition.
Officer Rasmussen shared that one of the primary responsibilities of the SRO is to prioritize
the safety of RASD students and staff, noting that “school is meant to be a safe place for children to
learn and grow into successful members of society. He aims to ensure that all students are “able to
feel comfortable in their learning environment.” Officer Rasmussen explained, “I believe that building
positive relationships with the children and having a constant presence in the schools can contribute
immensely to ensuring that all children are safe.” He is looking forward to working alongside school
staff and administration to “work towards a common goal so we can make the most positive impact on
the students and school district.”
Ripon Chief of Police Bill Wallner also has recommended Officer Rasmussen for this additional
SRO position. Chief Wallner described him as being very knowledgeable and highly trained in
investigations and patrol procedures with tools that will benefit him as he transitions to the role of
School Resource Officer. Chief Wallner explains, “Officer Rasmussen has displayed excellent work
ethic, and during times I have observed him interacting with young people in the community, he has a
genuine care and demeanor for their welfare in mind.” Together with current SRO, Lindsey Michels,
they will address the ongoing care and welfare of our students and the entire Ripon Community.
Superintendent Mary Whitrock shared, “The District is very pleased to bring someone with
Officer Rasmussen’s demeanor, background, and training. He comes to us very well prepared to step
into this role and demonstrated throughout his career and during the interview process his integrity,
kindness and collaborative spirit. These qualities are core values of the School Board and essential
values for adults in our school’s to hold to ensure success while working with students of all ages.”
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