Iowa's Law Enforcement Officers
Madam Speaker,
National Police Week is a time for Iowans and people across the U.S. to celebrate local law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities, and to honor the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. These brave men and women in uniform have dedicated their lives to essential public service, and some have given the ultimate sacrifice. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay public ceremonies to recognize these individuals, but we can still take time this week to remember those we have lost, share our support for their loved ones, and thank those who continue to serve.
Law enforcement officers do far more than safeguard our lives and property. Today, community policing involves officers working in partnership with organizations and neighborhoods to create safer spaces. Not only are police responding to calls for help and providing support on the street, they’re also in our schools teaching kids how to make good choices so they can continue on a path toward success. There is no shortage of stories of officers from my district going above and beyond on the job.
In late March as the community closed up shop to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Creston Police Department covered its front doors and windows in a display of colorful paper hearts as a symbol of hope for Iowans during this trying time.
Earlier this month Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek spent National Teacher Appreciation Week visiting multiple educators and school support staff at home and at work to thank them for their service to our kids. During the same stretch of time, Sgt. Andrew Phipps from Des Moines PD visited 90-year-old Earl, a fellow veteran, on his birthday to share in the socially distanced celebration.
Waukee Police Department’s Sgt. Hector Arias and Officer Gilchrist have been lending a helping hand passing out free Waukee Community School District Grab & Go Meals and devices to help students participate in virtual learning from home.
Just before schools moved to distance learning this spring, Council Bluffs Police Chief Tim Carmody visited Mrs. Nickerson’s class of first graders at Rue Elementary School to participate in the Read Across America Program. Having recently welcomed Officer Deana Roth and Officer Meghan Thomson to the force, Chief Carmody is now leading his team in important efforts like educating the public on how to identify and avoid door-to-door sales scams during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Our police officers’ contributions to our community don’t end at handing out meals and spending time in the classroom. Faced with the additional health risks presented by this pandemic, our police officers continue to exhibit honor and bravery by serving their neighbors. They go to work knowing they could come face-to-face with Coronavirus, and that it is only one of the challenges they encounter while on duty. Because of their dedication and sacrifice, it is my pleasure to honor members of central and southwest Iowa’s law enforcement community by nominating them as our Iowans of the Week.