Jakob Dare, son of Stephen and Krista Dare, and a 2020 graduate of Delavan High School, marked a major milestone on Friday, December 5, 2025, when he graduated from the Illinois Police Academy in Belleville.

The academy, recognized for its rigorous training and high standards, equips recruits with the skills needed for modern policing. Dare’s successful completion of the program launches his career as a sworn officer. He is now serving with the Mason City Police Department, where he has already begun applying his training to protect and serve the community. Part of his responsibilities will include working as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Illini Central High School.

Dare’s path to the academy was built on a strong academic foundation. In 2024, he graduated Cum Laude from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. His dedication to both scholarship and service reflects a commitment to public safety that began during his years at Delavan High School.

Community members have expressed pride in Dare’s accomplishments, noting that his graduation from the Illinois Police Academy is not only a personal triumph but also a point of pride for all of Delavan.

As Officer Dare continues his career in Mason City, his journey stands as an example of how local graduates continue to make an impact across central Illinois.