By Lisa Carolin
This July, Chelsea High School (soon-to-be junior) Madison Brodeur will have the chance to experience what it takes to become a Michigan State Police Trooper.
Brodeur will be one of 45 high school students from Michigan who will begin the Michigan District of Kiwanis Law Enforcement Career Academy. There will be 17 female and 28 male cadets participating in the 6-day program located at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing.
Madison Brodeur says, “Being a police officer is more than tactics, training, and solving crimes. It about pushing your body and mind past the limits with the main point of putting others before yourself. It is a career that involves being selfless, being brave, and striving for the best outcome in every situation that arises.”
The program is aimed at students interested in law enforcement careers. Brodeur will be sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea. She’ll learn about law enforcement fundamentals and building teamwork, and her days will begin at 5:15 a.m. with physical training, and continue with traffic laws, firearms, marksmanship fundamentals, defensive tactics, first-aid, water safety as well as learning about career opportunities.
Brodeur’s older sister Hanna attended the academy in the summer of 2014.
“I made it through the academy stronger, wiser, and with a greater appreciation of my dad’s profession,” said Hanna Brodeur, who hopes to attend law school once she finishes her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University. “I learned that I am much more capable of getting through challenging situations with confidence and determination.”
You could say it runs in the family. Their dad, Joseph Brodeur, is the Post Commander at the Michigan State Police Post in Oak Park, Michigan and has been with the Michigan State Police for 24 years.
“Couldn’t be more proud,” said Joseph Brodeur. “This is a challenging week for these students – up very early each morning with extremely strenuous days. It is a very positive experience, but they will definitely be expected to earn it. Michigan State Police troopers will be side-by-side with them all week.”
Their mom, Rosemarie Brodeur, is also pleased.
“I feel very proud that both my girls decided to put their ambitions to good use exploring the Academy,” said Rosemarie Brodeur. “They both are getting a taste of what their father endured during his Academy training.”
She says it’s good for their younger brothers, Joseph and Dominic, to see that “in a male-dominated profession, a woman is considered an equal in ranks in this position.”
Madison Brodeur says, “By having this chance to attend the Academy, I will be able to see a quick view of this demanding profession. I know I will do the best of my ability, focus on the experience, and leave with lifelong lessons of success. I value the dedication my dad has put into his 24-year career with the Michigan State Police with all respect and honor. I hope to make him proud to carry on the Brodeur name in the law enforcement field.”
“These career academies focus on leadership, work ethic, discipline, and being part of a team,” said Joseph Brodeur. “All of these are important characteristics when you talk about success or just being effective. I would suggest this week for any young person, and I am extremely happy to see one daughter complete it, and another about to.”
Madison Brodeur is contemplating joining the Air Force once she graduates from high school.
