Law Enforcement

Meet Our Alumni

Alexandra (AJ) Thompson

Bachelors in Psychology, '19

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Alexandra attended Vermilion Community College’s Park Ranger and Law Enforcement Academy where she graduated in December of 2019. Following her graduation, she worked for Cape Cod National Seashore as a Law Enforcement Ranger during the summer of 2020. She came back to Minnesota to work over the winter for Eden Prairie Police Department as a Community Service Officer while studying for her EMT. AJ accepted a job offer from Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for the summer of 2021, and will be moving out there to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a full time, permanent ranger for the National Park Service.

Jamie Vanasse

Associate’s Degree in Wildlife Law Enforcement, '18

Vermilion Community College

Jamie attended Vermilion Community College’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy where she was a squad leader thereby demonstrating her leadership abilities. She graduated in December of 2018. Following her graduation, she worked for Yellowstone National Park as a Law Enforcement Ranger during the summer of 2018. Jamie moved to New Mexico to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a full time, permanent ranger for the National Park Service.

Jake Erickson

Bachelor's in Police Science

St. Mary's University

Program
Wildland/Wildlife Law Enforcement

Education and experience
After Vermilion I received my Bachelor’s degree in Police Science from St. Mary’s University. For my internship, I worked as a security guard at Canterbury Raceway.

Current employer
St. Louis Park Police Department

Position
Police Officer. My duties are to preserve law and order, protect life and property and enforce laws and ordinances in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the St. Louis Park Police Department. To create problem-solving relationships with the citizens of St. Louis Park using a thorough knowledge of the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy.

Favorite VCC memory
If I had to choose a favorite memory from my time at VCC, I would have to say the people I met while I attended. The people I met honestly are more family than friends. Brittons, a Bucky from the Steakhouse, Sunrise/Sunsets over Lake One/Fall Lake/Shag, Cliff jumping at Miners, living in the dubies, the cabins at the OLC, drives up the Echo, and down Miners (all the way!) And of course breaking down on the snowmobile/ATV trails!

Laura McBroom

Bachelor’s Criminal Justice

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Program
S.P.L.E.R.T, Wildland/Wildlife Law Enforcement

Education and experience
I received my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UW- Stevens Point. I also attended VCC and was a part of the academy at Vermilion. I worked for the National Park Service for two seasons as a commissioned law enforcement officer.

Past employer
U.S National Park Service

Position
U.S Park Ranger. As a Park Ranger, I was a commissioned law enforcement officer in the US. My duties were to protect and ensure the safety of those visiting the park. To enforce all federal laws, mainly focusing on boating and fishing laws. To provide a public service to visitors of the park.

Current Employer
City Of Stillwater

Position
Police Officer. My duties are to protect and serve the City of Stillwater. To enforce laws and city ordinances. Ultimately, to provide a safe community for those in Stillwater.

Favorite VCC memory
Days spent out on the lake ice fishing.

Additional Information