May 18, 2026
'Ferris blood runs strong': Ingham County Sheriff’s Office builds force with Ferris State graduates
Alanna Knopf walked across the stage at Ferris State University in May as both a Criminal Justice graduate and a certified law enforcement officer. Her new bosses drove four hours to watch.
Ingham County Sheriff's Office Captains Andrew Daenzer and Chauncey Shattuck made the trip to Big Rapids to see Knopf complete the Ferris Law Enforcement Academy and earn her bachelor's degree — a milestone made more meaningful by the fact that both captains are alumni.
"Ferris blood runs strong all throughout law enforcement," Knopf said. "It connects me to several officers that attended Ferris State University. A truly special bond to know my supervisors attended the same university leading them to wonderful careers."
Knopf said she chose Ferris State because no other program offered what the university did under one roof.
"The bachelor's degree and (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards) MCOLES certifiable combination stood out," she explained. "I still have a degree and have academy experience. The academy hours surpass the state standard, meaning we get a surplus of hours and training compared to other academies."
She added that the academy follows the same academic calendar as the rest of the university — a factor that mattered.
"Ferris State was the easy choice for me," Knopf said. "I'm proud to forever be a Bulldog."
The academy's mental demands proved as significant as its physical ones.
"One of the hardest things the academy prepared me for would be knowing how to stay calm under pressure, stress or exhaustion," Knopf said. "The academy got me mentally and physically fit for my future career in law enforcement. I believe I came out stronger and more resilient."