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Coming Out of Retirement to Lead the Ranks

December 1, 2020

Community-wide testing launched at Blackhawk Technical College on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Since that time, the Wisconsin National Guard has administered over 5000 tests. The person behind that operation is Mike Swartz, a retired police and corrections officer from Pennsylvania. A member of the College’s safety and security team, Mike now serves as the Incident Commander for the testing site.

Mike, in a white security polo, in front of a window with paper snowflakes

Mike originally joined the College in a part-time capacity to train students and staff on emergency readiness. However, that changed this fall. Because of COVID-19, Mike has stepped up and into additional roles at the College. From emergency planning and response to COVID-19 investigations, Mike’s workload has undoubtedly increased this fall.

“Mike has risen to the occasion, and his leadership skills have proved invaluable during these challenging times. He is credited with the success of the BTC community COVID testing site,” said Brad Smith, Manager of Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Mike’s supervisor.

Before the pandemic, the BTC Safety and Security Office offered several face-to-face training opportunities for students and employees in areas such as active shooter, first aid, and other emergency response. A lot has changed this fall, and the Safety and Security Office continues to answer the call.

Despite Mike’s added duties, he remains one of BTC’s armed security officers engaged in campus patrol. He conducts regular emergency readiness tests, and he helps train and engages BTC’s student security officers.

“We have a workforce of student security officers, many of whom are in law enforcement or criminal justice programs, and we provide them an opportunity for real-world training and experience in the field,” said Mike.

Many of these student security officers are an integral part of Mike’s team for the BTC community-wide testing site. Students, and other workers, help greet and direct community members at the testing site. In addition, they provide interpretive services and support for the Wisconsin National Guard.

Mike is student-centered at heart, and it shows in his work each and every day – that’s what drew him to Blackhawk. He encourages students to “make the most of their time in college by getting involved with clubs and student government.”

When asked what he likes most about BTC, Mike responded simply, “our small college has a family-like atmosphere.”

Community testing at Blackhawk ends on Dec. 10. Until then, Mike will remain steadfast in his leadership of his operation.

For more information about the College’s response to the pandemic, visit www.blackhawk.edu/coronavirus.

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