Julie Rortvedt Memorial Scholarship

The Julie Rortvedt Memorial scholarship is available for Pre-hire recruits enrolled at the Madison College Police Academy. Candidates must successfully complete the Police Academy to be considered for the scholarship. The name of the recipient(s) awarded the $500 scholarship will be announced during the Academy graduation. Julie Rortvedt was a retired Detective with the Madison Police Department. She began her career in 1985, as a police officer with the Sun Prairie Police Dept. In 1990, Julie was hired by the Madison Police Department. While at Madison she worked in general assignment, sensitive crimes, on the drug and narcotic task force. She took great pride in teaching about the heroin epidemic and would present to many different groups of people including high school students. She retired as a detective in January 2016 after 30 years in law enforcement. Julie was hired as an instructor with Madison College in 2007.

In 2017, Julie unfortunately was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After 6 months of chemo therapy treatments, she was told the cancer was in remission. Julie continued to teach at the Academy, during her chemotherapy treatments and always had a positive attitude. She viewed this as a opportunity to further teach about the importance of taking care of your body, mind and soul to new police recruits.

Julie inspired many people. She had an extra passion for pre-hire students attending the academy. She wanted the students to succeed and become the best police officer possible.

In June 2019, Julie found out her cancer had returned. After a courageous fight, Julie passed away in August 2019. Julie’s two children chose to honor their mother and continue her legacy by creating a scholarship in her name at the Madison College Police Academy.