Watertown Police Officer Anthony Goebel Completes PTO Program, Begins Solo Patrol Duties

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department is celebrating a milestone for one of its newest officers. Officer Anthony Goebel has officially completed the department’s Police Training Officer (PTO) Program and is now serving the community as a solo patrol officer.

Goebel joined the department in February 2026 and quickly distinguished himself through strong professionalism, steady work ethic, and a clear commitment to the department’s standards of service. According to WPD, he excelled throughout each phase of the PTO Program, earning the confidence of his trainers and fellow officers.

A graduate of the Lake Area Technical College Law Enforcement Program, Goebel entered the department with a solid foundation in modern policing practices. The PTO Program builds on that foundation through months of intensive field training, scenario-based learning, and hands‑on experience with real‑world calls.

Department leaders say completing the program represents more than just a training benchmark — it reflects an officer’s readiness to provide professional, compassionate, and ethical service to the citizens of Watertown.

The department is encouraging the community to join in congratulating Officer Goebel as he begins his solo patrol duties.

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