Instructors

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Kathleen Peterson

Owner of Law Dogs

Kathleen has been teaching high school students since 1997. She has a Masters degree in Teacher Leadership, and holds certification in 6-12 grade instruction. Kathleen has been teaching German at Lakeland High School since 2001. Although not directly involved in the instruction portion at Law Dogs, Kathleen spearheaded the state approved curriculum. She oversees lesson planning, and assists the instructors on how to effectively get their information across to the students. Having a veteran high school teacher on staff to assist and advise the direction of the instruction is an in-valuable resource. Kathleen worked with her husband Ty to combine her years of high school teaching techniques, with his law enforcement training and experience, to create the premiere driving academy.

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Ty Peterson

OPS Cop for Classroom and Behind the Wheel Instructor

Ty and his wife Kathleen live and raise their children in the Lakeland Area. Ty has been a certified Police Officer since 1997 – 2022. Ty is was employed by a local Sheriff’s Department, as a sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Patrol Division. He holds a B.S. degree in Biology, and a minor in Health Education. Ty is a certified law enforcement instructor and teaches police officers in several disciplines. Ty also teaches police recruits at the college level in Rhinelander. Ty is trained in emergency vehicle operation, and has taught classes on accident investigation. Ty has real life cop experiences and training, along with a passion to teach. When you combine those with a commitment to community, you have an individual who is in place to make our students knowledgeable, safe and responsible drivers.

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Instructor Noah

Driving Instructor

Noah is our Instructor in Hurley, WI.  Noah has been in law enforcement for 16 years.  He is a Dept. of Justice training officer in Defense and Arrest, as well as a Vehicle Contacts Instructor.  He holds a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice.  Noah enjoys keeping the the roads and streets of the Northwoods safe by teaching driver education.  

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Instructor Rick

Driving Instructor

Lived in the Minocqua/Woodruff area over 60 years, graduated LUHS two years after Moses did. Began law enforcement career in mid 1980s as Enforcement Ranger on NHAL State Forest in Vilas, Oneida, and Iron counties for WI DNR. Promoted to state wide enforcement specialist, 1998-2009.  Returned as credentialed limited term employee for training and special investigations, statewide WI DNR, 2010-2022.  Credentialed part time as officer for Balsam Lake/Centuria police department, 2018-2022.

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Instructor David

Driving Instructor

  • Graduate of UWSP- Forestry Management 1995.
  • VCSO Retired as Captain of Operations 2017 after 23 years of service.
  • Instructor for Police Emergency Vehicle Operation.
  • Graduate 2016 UW-Madison Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College- Wisconsin Certified Public Manager.
  • Graduate 2012 Northwestern University Center For Police Science and recipient of the Franklin Kreml Leadership Award.

Personally I find teaching an awarding profession and look forward to my responsibilities working with LawDogs.

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Instructor Matt

Driving Instructor

Matt is from the Lakeland area and has spent the majority of his life in the Northwoods. He is a graduate of Lakeland Union High School. He is a former law enforcement officer and received his credentials from Nicolet Area Technical College and North Central Technical College. Matt works for a Lakeland area school with many years of experience providing our youth with a laid back and enjoyable learning environment. In his spare time Matt enjoys spending time with his family on the pontoon or on an ATV trail.  

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Instructor Joe

Driving Instructor

Joe is the classroom and behind the wheel instructor for Forest County. Joe has a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Eau Claire. He has worked in Law Enforcement for 27 years. Joe has worked for the Forest County sheriff’s office, as well as the WI Dept. of Corrections. Being a life long resident of Forest County, Joe believes in developing a positive connection with the students while teaching them to be safe and responsible drivers.

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Instructor Brian

Driving Instructor

Brian joined LawDogs in 2020.  He is currently employed as a full-time law enforcement officer.  Brian has an Associate’s Degree in Police Science.  He began his career in law enforcement in 2000 and has worked as a tribal police officer, deputy sheriff, and police officer.  Brian has been a member of the Special Response Team (SWAT) and Honor Guard.  He takes pride in conducting traffic enforcement and educating drivers on the Rules Of The Road.

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Instructor Michael

Driving Instructor

Michael joined LawDogs in 2023. He is currently employed as School Resource Officer at the Lakeland Union High School. Michael has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.