Y-Camp Sponsorships: ISSDA Helps Kids Make Summer Camp Memories

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1 Third Quarter 2010 Volume 30, No. 3 Official member publication of the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association (ISSDA) Y-Camp Sponsorships: ISSDA Helps Kids Make Summer Camp Memories Also in this issue of The Gold Star: National Sheriffs Association Supports D Block Spectrum Legislation Linn Co. Sheriff s Office Graduates 14 th Basic Reserve Officer Academy Happy 30 th Anniversary to McGruff the Crime Dog! ISSDA Winter School Schedule and Registration Form Black Hawk County Retirees and New Hires Spotlight on Osceola County Sheriff s Office Profile of DPS State Fire Marshal s Division A Deputy Sheriff s Prayer ISSDA School Dates

2 2 The Gold Star

3 Third Quarter

4 ISSDA Sends Kids to Y-Camp for Fun & Character Building Afternoons are spent as cabin groups in rotations, where every camper gets to participate in horseback riding, rock climbing, archery, arts and crafts, and canoeing at least once per week. Tuesday through Friday mornings are spent in Pathways. Each camper gets to choose three program areas to participate in every day that are progressive by day and by age. Evenings are spent in different programs like the Trail of Five Fires, Inspiration Point, Aunt Fifi, and The Arty Show each with its own special message that relates to fun and character. The week concludes with Friday night s Honor Point in a tearful celebration. Y-Camp, through our great programs, are able to build character, friendships and fun in our campers. All programs are backed by our character-value guarantee, which states that campers will gain a better understanding of the character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, or Y-Camp will give back the camp fee. Campers are able to build friendships with both staff and other campers that could potentially last a lifetime. Y-Camp is so thankful for the partnership with ISS- DA, and for the support they give in making a lasting difference in children around the state. For a number of years, Y-Camp and ISSDA have partnered in providing children from around the state with an incredible week of camp. ISSDA and Y-Camp collaborate to raise funds to get the children to camp. Every county in the state has the opportunity to send two kids to camp free of charge to the camper. Campers are delivered by sheriffs and deputies to Y-Camp on Sundays, where they will start their week of camp. Campers live in cabins with other kids of the same age and gender and two Y-Camp staff. Campers and staff come from around the state, country, and even the world. Sunday night after dinner kicks off with a chapel service and then it is off to our allcamp campfire called Embers. Monday starts off with Cimber (smaller sections of camp broken up by age groups) games, then they have an all-camp swim. 4 The Gold Star

5 The Gold Star President Deputy Brian Vos, Warren County Secretary/ Treasurer Sheriff Dewey Hildebrandt, Bremer County First Vice President Chief Deputy Don Orgel, Hardin County Second Vice President Sheriff Jerry Dunbar, Washington County ISSDA Board of Directors Past President Sheriff Curt Braby, Louisa County Board Members Deputy Don DeKock, Mahaska County Captain David Knight, Polk County At-Large Board Members Major John Godar, Linn County Chief Deputy Gregg Morton, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Johnstone, Des Moines County Sheriff Rick Lincoln, Clinton County Permanent ISSDA Address Bill Sage, P.O. Box 526, Atlantic, IA Managing Editor Sheriff Mike Balmer, Jasper County The Gold Star Committee Members Sheriff Dan Altena, Sioux County Deputy Jim Cunningham, Woodbury County Sheriff Jeff Danker, Pottawattamie County Sheriff Rick Penning, Grundy County Deputy Chris Scanlon, Dallas County Editor Eric J. Salmon Photographer Sheriff Rick Penning, Grundy County ISSDA lobbyists Joe Kelly and Susan Cameron Financial Director Retired Sheriff Bill Sage, Cass County Serving Iowa Since 1882 Contents ISSDA Sends Kids to Y-Camp for Fun & Character Building... 4 President s Message: Plan to Attend Winter School on Dec Secretary s Report: By-Law Change Would Provide New Seat... 7 ISSDA Winter School of Instruction Schedule... 8 At Winter School: 911 Homicide Calls Is the Caller the Killer? ISSDA Winter School Registration Form Happy 30 th Anniversary to McGruff! Linn Co. Deputy Svoboda Retired in July After 26 years National Sheriffs Assoc. Supports D Block Spectrum Legislation 12 D Block Spectrum Needed by Public Safety for Nationwide Int. 13 Linn County Graduates 14 th Reserve Officer Academy Black Hawk Co. Announces Retirees and New Hires Deputy Derek Steines Receives Award for Stopping Suicide Linn Co. Sheriff s Office 14 th Basic Officer Academy photo Sheriff s Office Spotlight: Osceola County - 7,000 residents Linn County Sheriff s Office Promotes Parks, Payne, others New Deputies Hired in Jasper and Clay Counties Polk County Sheriff s Office Mounted Horse Patrol Gets Grant. 19 Remembering K-9 Trax: His Life, His Legacy DPS State Fire Marshal s Division s Four Bureaus, functions July 15: Commissioner Meyer Promoted Saunders, others GOLD Business membership list: Electronic Engineering Radio Communications Durrant Keefe Supply Ranco Fertiservice, Inc. CHC Correctional Healthcare Co Barney s Wrecker and Crane Racom GREEN Business membership list: Carpenter Uniform Uniform Den, Inc Aramark CEC Electronic Engineering Third Quarter

6 From the President s Desk Plan to Attend the ISSDA Winter School on Dec. 5-8; Major John Godar Studying Shall Issue for School Where has the summer gone? School is once again in session, and fall upon us. I attended the Iowa State Fair and worked in the ISSDA booth, and this was a rewarding experience. I was amazed at the number of people who stopped by the booth, whether to say Thank You for all we do, or to look at the Iowa map that has the photos of all the sheriffs on it and find their county sheriff. I want to thank the Public Relations Committee members who Deputy Brian Vos Warren Co. Sheriff s Office work hard each year to plan and set up our exhibit at the Iowa State Fair. I would encourage ISSDA members next year to take a day and sign up for a time slot to work at the ISSDA s Fair booth to experience firsthand how rewarding it can be. I encourage all sheriffs to attend the ISSDA Winter School this year. The Schools Committee is working hard and it is shaping up to be a very informative school this year. I know many sheriffs have received several questions as to the Shall Issue that will take effect January 1. The Schools Committee is working on having instruction on this topic as the new law is just around the corner. Major John Godar is working very hard to be able to provide guidance on this issue, and I would like to thank him for this effort. As I close, I want remind everyone to please pray for our soldiers overseas who our fighting for our freedoms at home. Recently the Iowa National Guard deployed thousands of our men and women from our communities. Those men and women left behind their families, so remember them also. I recently found this prayer for deputy sheriffs and wanted to share it: A Deputy Sheriff s Prayer Oh, Almighty God, whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the universe; Please watch over all our deputies. Protect them in their everyday duties of serving papers, traffic violations, riots, evictions, domestic violence, and more. Give them the strength to accomplish the difficult tasks that lie before them. Give them the wisdom and quick reactions that will result in the safety of the people in their community. God, protect these brave men and women. Grant them your Almighty protection and please unite them safely with their families after their duty has ended. Amen. Author: G. D. Downing Respectfully, Brian Vos, ISSDA President At the 2010 Iowa State Fair ISSDA booth: Jefferson Co. s Sheriff Jerry Droz, Corrections Officer Kandi Haynes, Sgt. Michael Vannoy. 6 The Gold Star

7 From the desk of the ISSDA Secretary By-Law Change Set for Approval in Future Meeting Would Give One Board Seat to Non-Sworn Member It is nearly impossible to believe that, as I write this, schools are once again starting up and soon football season will be upon us. Can t wait! I hope that all of you have been reading the minutes from your ISSDA Board and, if so, I encourage you to contact a board member if you have questions or concerns about any of the board s discussions or decisions. I also want to inform you that all your board minutes are now being posted on the affiliate web site for ISAC, and I encourage you to use that site to help stay informed. Board representative Major John Godar has been working with Tammy Norman to get the ISSDA Affiliate site rebuilt and to make it more useful to all sheriff s office and ISSDA members. I want to thank Tammy and John for their efforts. Your board has also been working on re-writing the ISSDA By-Laws to facilitate the additional board member that was approved at the 2009 winter school. This will allow for the first time board representation for our members who are not serving in sworn positions within a sheriff s office, but who still hold valuable positions within these offices. If approved at an upcoming meeting by the board, one civilian board position will be created allowing an office staffer, jailer, dispatcher or other non-sworn member to Dewey L. Hildebrandt Bremer Co. Sheriff serve a two-year term on the board of directors of the Association. I believe this is an important step to take, and will assure that we will always recognize and remember the importance of everyone who works for our offices. Speaking of offices, perhaps it is timely for me to get on my soap box for just a couple of sentences. I seem to be hearing more and more that sheriffs offices are being referred to as sheriffs departments, which I find disappointing and frustrating. I believe very strongly that we need to focus on reclaiming the title of sheriff s office whenever we are referred to or whenever we are making a statement so others will once again start using office rather than department in their reference to us. We are serving the citizens of our counties from an elected position, not appointed. It is imperative that we expect what we have earned. For those who know me, I am confident that my point here did not come off as conceited, and for those who don t know me that well, I hope you all know that I am pretty old school in relationship to the history of sheriffs offices and will work forever to maintain the dignity of the office. I have had the good fortune to see some of the early planning for the Winter School, and I am very excited about the potential of that school. Looks to be one that we should see a large number of members wanting to attend, and I again commend the Schools Committee for their good work. As always, it is an honor to serve on YOUR ISSDA Board, and I look forward to hearing from you with your questions, concerns or general comments. Respectfully, Dewey Hildebrandt, ISSDA Secretary Staffing the 2010 Iowa State Fair Iowa State Sheriffs And Deputies booth Working the ISSDA booth at the Iowa State Fair: in the left photo are Linn County s Sgt. Steve Erceg and Hamilton County s Luane Paper; in the right photo are Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner and Wapello County Sheriff Donald Kirkendall. Third Quarter

8 Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association Winter School of Instruction Schedule On December 5-8, 2010 at the Embassy Suites on The River Des Moines, Iowa SUNDAY 12/05/10 TUESDAY 12/07/ Manager Hospitality (Atrium) 1800 Registration (Foyer in front of Exhibit Hall) 1900 Reception (Atrium) MONDAY 12/06/ Registration (Foyer in front of Exhibit Hall) 900 Opening Ceremony Presentation of the Flags- ISSDA Honor Guard Invocation- John Harrell, ISSDA Chaplin Welcome- Brian Vos, President ISSDA Welcome- Bill McCarthy, Sheriff Polk County 1015 Riss safe de-confliction (Wayne Lunders, Dennis Cessford MOCIC, Steve Ponsetto, Bill Kroes DCI) Break Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) (Deputy Jessup Schroeder Clinton Co. S.O. & Officer Shea Cruciani DeWitt PD) Lunch (On Your Own) Outlaw motorcycle gangs (Mike Johnson ATF) Homicide Training is the caller the killer? (Lt. Tracy Harpster) Break Homicide Training is the caller the killer? (Lt. Tracy Harpster) Lunch (On Your Own) Homicide Training is the caller the killer? (Lt. Tracy Harpster) Break Homicide Training is the caller the killer? (Lt. Tracy Harpster) ? ISSDA Annual Business Meeting Mangers Hospitality (Atrium) 1900-???? Banquet WEDNESDAY 12/08/ Break Outlaw motorcycle gangs (Mike Johnson ATF) 1630-???? Hospitality Rooms 1900-???? Vendors Hospitality (Vendors Room) Gun Permits (Sam Knowles DPS and Major John Godar Linn Co.) 1015 Break Women s Auxiliary Agenda Gun Permits (Sam Knowles, DPS, and Major John Godar, Linn Co.) Sunday 12/05/ Early Registration (Dues $10.00 Year) Monday 12/06/ Meeting in Room and Gift Exchange 8 The Gold Star ISSDA Thanks the Following 2010 Business Members: Corporate Gold Members and Corporate Green Members

9 The Iowa Sheriffs & Deputies Association Presents: 911 Homicide Calls: Is The Caller the Killer? Instructor: Lt. Tracy Harpster (Moraine Police Department, Ohio) has spent the last six years analyzing 911 Homicide Calls and has developed a model which indicates offender probability. He has co-authored several articles on the subject and has presented his research throughout the country. Course Goal: The goal of the course is to make each attendee aware of the importance of examining the 911 calls made by individuals reporting a death or homicide. One-third of all murderer s call in their own crime, pretending to be innocent. Much can be learned about the offender and offense from a critical analysis of the taped call. Description: The 911 Homicide Call course is designed to for detectives, supervisors, dispatchers and prosecutors who investigate and prosecute homicides. The course instructs on the guilty and innocent indicators made by all individuals during 911 homicide phone calls. Each indicator is thoroughly defined, discussed and exemplified by actual 911 homicide phone calls. COURSE NAME: 911 Homicide Phone Calls: Is the Caller the Killer? WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Law Enforcement, Dispatchers & Prosecutors DATE: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 TIME: 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 E. Locust St., Des Moines COST: $50 per Person REGISTRATION Due By: November 15, 2010 CHECK IN: 7:00 am 8:00 a.m. CONTACT: Bill Sage PO Box 526 Atlantic, Iowa thegoldstar@mchsi.com Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association Officials President: Brian Vos Deputy, Warren County Secretary: Dewey Hildebrandt Sheriff, Bremer County 1st Vice President: Don Orgel Chief Deputy, Hardin County 2nd Vice President: Jerry Dunbar Sheriff, Washington County Past President: Randy Krukow Sheriff, Clay County Board of Directors: Rick Lincoln Sheriff, Clinton County Mike Johnstone: Sheriff, Des Moines County Gregg Morton Chief Deputy, Jefferson Co. John Godar Major, Linn County David Knight Captain, Polk County Don DeKock Deputy, Mahaska County Financial Administrator: Bill Sage, Sheriff Retired, Cass County Schools Committee Chair Person: Randy Krukow Sheriff, Clay County Co-Chair: Jerry Droz, Sheriff Jefferson County Dawn Disney Office Deputy, Poweshiek County Deb Frye Office Deputy, Butler County Anita Reed Administrative Assistant, Hardin County Ronald Fehr Sheriff, Boone County Steve Schmedeke Deputy, Butler County Gregg Elsberry Chief Deputy, Boone County Joe Wilson Retired Chief Deputy, Adams County Chris Hinds Retired Chief Deputy, Dallas County Rick Lincoln Sheriff, Clinton County Gregg Morton Chief Deputy, Jefferson County Don DeKock Deputy, Mahaska County Third Quarter

10 2010 ISSDA Winter School Registration SAVE YOUR COUNTY $25.00 PER PERSON BY REGISTERING BEFORE November 30, 2010 The Winter School will be held December 5 8, 2010 at the Des Moines Embassy Suites, 101 E. Locust St. The registration fee for attending the Winter School is $125 per member, ($150 after 11-30) or $ per nonmember ($ after 11-30). The 911 class is included in this registration rate. Single day 911 class fee is $50.00 and due by November 15. HAVE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association Bill Sage PO Box 526 Atlantic, IA thegoldstar@mchsi.com Make your room reservations by calling , before NOVEMBER 5th,2010. After this date, the price increases and the rooms will be released. Remember, you can always cancel your reservation if you change your mind, but if you wait, you may not get a room and the price will GO UP. SINGLE $ DOUBLE $ Be sure to state you are attending the ISSDA Winter School to receive the above rates. I m currently an ISSDA member YES NO County Years of Service Members Name Guests Name Members payment enclosed pay at the door $ Will you be attending the Sunday Night Banquet? yes no Will you be attending the Tuesday Night Banquet? yes no Guests $25.00 per nightly banquet Guests payment enclosed pay at the door $ Will you be attending the Sunday Night Banquet? yes no Will you be attending the Tuesday Night Banquet? yes no Non-member pre-registration $ Will you be attending the Sunday Night Banquet? yes no Will you be attending the Tuesday Night Banquet? yes no Total $ 911 Homicide Call. Is the caller the killer? ONE DAY ONLY ($50.00) $ 10 The Gold Star

11 PawPrints Happy 30 th Anniversary to McGruff! By McGruff the Crime Dog (as told to Sgt. Steven Parker, Des Moines Co. Sheriff s Office) Hello Folks! McGruff the Crime Dog here taking this opportunity to say, Thank you, for helping me Take A Bite Out Of Crime for the past 30 years. It s hard to believe I ve been around that long. When I started out as a young pup in July 1980, the rock & roll group Blondie had the #1 single with Call ME, The Dukes of Hazard and Dallas were hit TV shows, and the Rubik s Cube was introduced. For me, it all started back in 1978 when the National Citizen s Crime Prevention Campaign was launched as a cooperative undertaking by public leaders and private citizens. Through a mass media public education campaign, it was felt citizens working individually could work together with law enforcement to prevent crime. In my first print ad, I said, You don t know me yet, But you will. Who would have thought that by 1987, just seven years after my first PSA introduction, so many people would come to know me? But I didn t gain this fame on my own. I had a lot of help from many people spreading the message. The Advertising Council accepted the campaign and gave the assignment to advertising agency Dancer Fitzgerald & Sample k/n/a/ Saatchi & Saatchi under the direction of Jack Kiel, to create a unifying symbol and the slogan, Take A Bite Out Of Crime In 1982, the campaign founders, under the leadership of Carl Loeb, formed the National Crime Prevention Council to coordinate the campaign and promote crime prevention throughout the country. Through the years, my messages grew to include protecting youth, watching out for neighbors, and building a sense of neighborhood creating communities that don t produce crime, drug abuse and gang violence. Other messages focused on teen violence, drug abuse prevention, strangers, and violence prevention. In 1993, my nephew, Scruff, was introduced to help teach children crime, drug, and violence prevention behaviors. Young people related to Scruff and relied on Uncle McGruff to help teach them how to do the safe thing and get out of potentially dangerous situations. Today the campaign focus is on Internet Safety & Identity Theft, one of the fastest growing areas of crime in the United States. We have much to celebrate in 2010, my 30th Anniversary. You can help by hosting a McGruff 30 th Birthday Party in your community. Send Happy Birthday messages to me, McGruff, via the National Crime Prevention Council s Facebook, Twitter or MySpace accounts. Contact your local newspapers to ask them to show their support by doing a 30 th Birthday Anniversary interview. Thanks, again, and keep up the good work in helping me Take A Bite Out Of Crime. Linn County Deputy Svoboda Retired in July After 26 years Linn County Deputy Kevin Svoboda retired on July 2 after 26 years of service. Svoboda worked more than 31 years in law enforcement. He was a public safety officer at the Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport for two years. Later, he worked as a reserve officer for the Williamsburg Police Department. During his service for Linn County, Svoboda served in the jail division, patrol division, civil division and the courthouse security detail. While a deputy, Kevin also worked part time for several agencies including the Center Point Police Department, the U.S. Marshal s Service, as a transport guard, and most recently as a part-time officer for the Robins Police Department. Third Quarter

12 The National Sheriffs Association Supports D Block Spectrum Legislation in the Senate July 22, 2010, Alexandria, Virginia, from NSA. The National Sheriffs Association (NSA) applauds Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT), Senator John McCain (R-AZ), and Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV (D- WV) for their strong support to allocate the 10MHZ of spectrum known as the D Block to public safety for the creation of a nationwide public safety interoperable mobile broadband network. This will assist public safety in continuing to protect their communities nationwide. This afternoon, Senator Lieberman and Senator McCain announced the introduction of the First Responders Protection Act of 2010 in the U.S. Senate. If passed, the bill will not only allocate the D Block to the public safety community, but will ensure that funding is available for the creation and implementation of this nationwide public safety interoperable mobile broadband network. Furthermore, Senator Rockefeller also announced his intentions this afternoon to introduce the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act. Senator Rockefeller s legislation will seek to create innovative spectrum policy, as well as allocating the D Block to public safety and providing the necessary funding to create and implement the interoperable broadband network for public safety. Interoperability needs to be coast to coast, according to Story County, Iowa, Sheriff Paul H. Fitzgerald, who serves as First Vice President of the National Sheriffs Association and is NSA s representative on the Public Safety Alliance. Public safety can no longer continue to operate without the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently amongst each other, Sheriff Fitzgerald said. The allocation of the D Block to the public safety community is the significant and necessary step forward to achieve this goal, obtain interoperability, and create a nationwide public safety interoperable mobile broadband network, Sheriff Fitzgerald said. We thank Senators Lieberman, McCain, and Rockefeller for their leadership on this critical issue and for their steadfast support of America s public safety community. Established in 1940, the National Sheriffs Association is the voice of 3,083 elected sheriffs across the country and the largest association of law enforcement professionals in the United States, with a membership of more than 20,000 members, including deputy sheriffs, other law enforcement professionals, and students. Throughout its history, NSA has served as an information clearinghouse for sheriffs, deputies, chiefs of police, other law enforcement professionals, state governments and the federal government. 12 The Gold Star

13 D Block Spectrum Needed by Public Safety for Nationwide Public Safety Interoperability by Paul H. Fitzgerald Story County Sheriff The Public Safety Alliance, a group made up of 14 public safety organizations including the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), brought together more than 40 national organizations to discuss the allocation of the D Block with Congress on July 21, Representatives from NSA included Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald (Story County, Iowa) Sheriff David Goad (Allegany County, Maryland), and Sheriff Larry Amerson (Calhoun County, Alabama). These sheriffs, along with other leaders from the public safety community, share the belief that a nationwide interoperable broadband network is crucial to the continued success of public safety. While 10MHz of spectrum has already been designated for public safety use, it is not nearly enough for present or future uses by public safety. The additional allocation of the D Block to the current 10MHz available would provide a total of 20MHz of spectrum to the public safety community enabling the creation of a strong nationwide public safety interoperable mobile broadband network. Such a nationwide public safety broadband network would be capable of linking each and every local, tribal, state and federal emergency responder; provide public safety agencies access to new broadband technologies; and facilitate effective communications among first responders, and not only in disasters or emergencies, but in making ongoing cooperative communication plans. Under current law, the FCC is required to auction off the D Block spectrum, but was unsuccessful in its first attempt in As an alternative to any new auction attempt, NSA and many other public safety organizations believe it is more productive to require the FCC to directly allocate the D Block spectrum to our nation s public safety community. NSA was pleased during the Hill meetings to learn that Sen. John Rockefeller (D- WV) had plans to introduce legislation in Speaking at a Public Safety Alliance (PSA) press conference on July 21 in Washington, D.C., Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald expressed appreciation to Rep. Peter King (R-NY) for H.R. 5081, which allocates the D-block spectrum to Public Safety. He also thanked Senators Lieberman and McCain for their bill allocating the D-Block to public safety on the Senate side. Sheriff Fitzgerald, representing the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), spoke of the need for public safety interoperability across the nation, border to border and coast to coast. the Senate that would allocate the D Block to public safety as well as identify a source of funding to build and maintain an interoperable network. Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, National Sheriffs Association First Vice President and Public Safety Alliance Representative, said We appreciate Chairman Rockefeller s leadership in the Senate on this critical public safety issue and look forward to working with him and his colleagues to secure the spectrum and funding public safety professionals need to ensure the safety of our nation s citizens, residents and visitors. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) also took the opportunity during the day to announce their legislation supporting the interoperable network for public safety, The First Responders Protection Act (S. 3625). The bill requires that public safety be given the license for the D Block spectrum, and directs $11 billion in funding from the auction of different blocks of spectrum. Of the funding, $5.5 billion would support commercial interests in the construction of towers, transmission facilities, and equipment costs of the new public safety network. The remaining $5.5 billion would help pay for the maintenance and operational costs of the network. During the press conference, Sen. Lieberman noted that, As it stands now, the mobile device the average teenager in America carries has more capability than the mobile device the average first responder in America who puts his or her life on the line for each of us carries. That is just unacceptable and wrong. We re here to turn that around. The bills currently introduced into Congress regarding the D Block allocation include H.R. 5081, The Broadband First Responders Act of 2010, and S. 3625, The First Responders Protection Act. The National Sheriffs Association will continue working with other public safety interests toward D Block allocation to public safety. Third Quarter

14 Linn Co. Sheriff s Office Graduates 14 th Basic Reserve Officer Academy The Linn County Sheriff s Office held its 14 th Basic Reserve Officer Academy graduation ceremonies May 15 at Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids. The graduation was the culmination of the 180-hour training academy enabling volunteer law enforcement officers to serve as state certified reserve peace officers, as established by Iowa law and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Guest speaker at the graduation ceremony was Arlen Ciechanowski, assistant director of training for the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center and former Assistant Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Also speaking during graduation ceremonies were former Linn County Sheriff s Office Basic Reserve Officer Academy graduates, Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner, Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, and Iowa County Sheriff Robert Rotter. Also speaking were 6 th Judicial District Director Gary Hinzman, the reserve academy class president, and Linn County Reserve Deputy Stephen Mast. The reserve academy curriculum covered training in six modules and included: Criminal Law, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Domestic Abuse/ Violence, Court Organization, Critical Incident Management, Vehicle Stops, Collision Scene Control, Felony Calls, Roll of Emergency Communication, Traffic Direction, Patrol Techniques, Defensive Tactics, Ethics, Force Management, Juvenile Law, Search & Seizure, Blood Borne Pathogens, Current Drug Trends, Weather Preparedness, Testifying in Court; Cultural Diversity, Civil Liability, Discretion, Precision Driving, Interviews & Interrogation, Laws of Arrest, Introduction to Crime Scene, Motor Vehicle Law, Recognizing Impairment, Report Writing, Mandatory Reporting, Working with Your Community, Community Policing, CPR & First Aid, Firearms, Subject Control, and Crisis & Conflict. The 27 reserve officers will serve the Cedar Rapids, Lisbon, and Mt. Vernon Police Departments; the Iowa, Johnson, and Linn County Sheriff s Offices, and the 6 th Judicial District Department of Corrections. The reserve officer academy graduates and their respective law enforcement agencies are: Cedar Rapids Police Department: Nicholas Brokaw, Bryan Copeland and Ardean Schill. Iowa County Sheriff s Office: Thad Alexander, Andrew Pahl, and Jonathan Smith. Johnson County Sheriff s Office: Nick Muller and Derrick Stalder. Linn County Reserve Deputy Stephen Mast delivered his class president s speech at the graduation. Linn County Sheriff s Office: Daniel Bushman, Michael Ehlert, Bart Glowacki, Benjamin Godwin and Michael Kempin, Stephen Mast, Todd Nathem and Tim Waddilove. Lisbon Police Department: Charles Whited. Mount Vernon Police Department: John Bock. 6 th Judicial District, Department of Corrections: Brody Frame, Stacey Gates, Nicole Hotz, Molly Kerr, Cody O Hare, Tony Ong, Ryan Phillips and Mark Smith. Black Hawk County Announces Retirees and New Hires by Administrative Aide Laurie Denning Black Hawk County On 12/31/09 the following individuals retired from the Black Hawk County Sheriff s Office: Sgt. Patrick Hagarty worked for BHC since 11/1/81; Sgt. David Smith worked for BHC since 8/2/81; Deputy Tim Rathe worked for BHC since 8/7/89; Sgt. Tommy Roberts worked for BHC since 11/4/79. We welcome the following individuals to Black Hawk County: Julie Lein was hired Jan. 4. Lein earned a master s degree in physical education from Indiana State. Levi Frost was hired Feb. 8. Frost came to Black Hawk County from the Army National Guard. Anthony Nai was hired Feb. 16. Nai was previously the store manager for Oak Express in Waterloo. Adam Liddle was hired Feb. 16. Liddle earned an Associate s degree in marketing management 14 The Gold Star from Hawkeye Community College, and previously worked for Royal Turf in Cedar Falls. Jeffrey Shimp was hired Feb. 22. Shimp has an Associate s degree in police science from Hawkeye Community College, and recently worked for Hudson Police Department. Sarah Tripolino was hired on Feb. 22. Tripolino earned an Associates degree in corrections and an Associate s degree in liberal arts from Hawkeye Community College, and recently worked for the Iowa Department of Correctional Services in West Union. On March 25, Deputy Mark Isley retired after 18 years with Black Hawk County. Alex Smock was hired as of March 29, and earned an Associate s degree in police science from Hawkeye Community College. Smock worked at GHS Wackenhut in Waterloo.

15 Deputy Derek Steines Receives Award for Stopping Suicide Attempt in May by Sheriff Brian D. Gardner Linn County Sheriff s Office During the afternoon of May 31, Deputy Derek Steines was working in the Linn County Correctional Center as the 3 rd floor Deputy. Shortly after completing a cell check, Deputy Steines returned to the cell block to deliver supplies. Upon entering the dayroom, he heard noises that sounded like someone gasping for air. He began rechecking the cells and observed an inmate hanging in a single cell. Deputy Steines immediately got on his radio and notified other staff members of the suicide attempt Deputy Derek Steines Linn Co. Sheriff s Office while running to the 3 rd floor control center to get the emergency knife. Deputy Steines returned to the cellblock seconds later and was able to cut down the inmate. Deputy Steines was then able to determine that the inmate had a pulse and was breathing on his own. Other staff members responded to assist in the rescue efforts. The inmate was transported to the hospital where he ultimately made a full recovery. Had Deputy Steines not reacted swiftly and in a calm manner to the distress sounds that he heard, this incident would have most certainly resulted in the inmate s death. Because of his exemplary effort, Deputy Derek Steines is being given the Linn County Sheriff s Office Life Saving Award. Linn County Sheriff s Office 14 th Basic Reserve Officer Academy photo by Linn County Sheriff s Office Reserve Deputy Gordon Grabau Front row (left to right): Charles Whited (Lisbon Police Dept.), Kevan Bakewell (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Molly Kerr (Dept. of Corrections), Tony Ong (Dept. of Corrections), Stacey Gates (Dept. of Corrections), Nicole Hotz (Dept. of Corrections), Bart Glowacki (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Michael Ehlert (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office). Middle row (left to right): Nick Muller (Johnson Co. Sheriff s Office), Brody Frame (Dept. of Corrections), Ryan Phillips (Dept. of Corrections), Bryan Copeland (Cedar Rapids Police Dept.), Ardean Schill (Cedar Rapids Police Dept.), Mark Smith (Dept. of Corrections), Derrick Stadler (Johnson Co. Sheriff s Office), Benjamin Godwin (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office). Back row (left to right): Stephen Mast (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), John Bock (Mt. Vernon Police Dept.), Daniel Bushman (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Nicholas Brokaw (Cedar Rapids Police Dept.), Cody O Hare (Dept. of Corrections), Jonathan Smith (Iowa Co. Sheriff s Office), Andrew Pahl (Iowa Co. Sheriff s Office), Michael Kempin (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Tim Waddilove (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Todd Nathem (Linn Co. Sheriff s Office), Thad Alexander (Iowa Co. Sheriff s Office). Third Quarter

16 Sheriff s Office Spotlight Osceola County: 7,000 residents, 5 towns, 3 major U.S. highways and few murders By Michelle Lowe Osceola Co. Dispatcher/ Jailer Osceola County is located in the northwestern corner of Iowa, encompassing 397 square miles. The highest point in Iowa is located north of Sibley just off US Highway 60, which is named Hawkeye Point. Osceola County has a population of approximately 7,000 residents, including five towns and three major U.S. highways. The Osceola County Sheriff s Office is located in Sibley, which is also the county seat. Osceola County s conception began in 1871, and was originally part of Woodbury County, which was called Wahkaw County at that time. In October of 1871, the settlers of Osceola County met to nominate their first County Sheriff. Jeff Cutshall tied with Frank Stiles at the October election. On January 3, 1872, the Board of Supervisors appointed Frank Stiles to the position of Sheriff. Since that time, Osceola County has elected 18 different Sheriffs. Doug Weber was elected sheriff of Osceola County in January Sheriff Weber has over 30 years of law enforcement experience with 29 years in Osceola County. The dispatcher, jailers, and deputies who work for Osceola County are very devoted personnel, both young and old. According to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Gayl Tutje is the oldest working dispatcher in the State of Iowa. At 75 years young, Gayl has been a dispatcher at the Osceola County Sheriff s office for approximately 19 years. Tutje has no immediate plans for retirement. The job continues to be unpredictable, entertaining and rewarding. In June of 1903, the Sheriff s residence and jail was built. The last Sheriff to occupy the residence was Sheriff Robert Rolfes and his family from 1972 to The house was literally split down the middle from top to bottom with a five-foot hallway separating the downstairs cell from the Sheriff s kitchen and the upstairs cell from the Sheriff s bedroom. Today, the Osceola County Jail facility is 106 years old and still in operation, hous- 16 The Gold Star ing as many as nine inmates in the original part of the jail and four additional beds in an attached addition built in The Sheriff s living quarters were converted into offices for emergency management and the deputies. The kitchen is still being used to make inmate meals. The first recorded murder in Osceola County happened on February 13, Fred Hokuf murdered Peter Johnson after a quarrel over wages for picking corn. After Peter had told Fred to get off his place and Fred refused, Peter started to head towards the granary to grab a fork. Fred then struck Peter on the head with an iron rod he picked up on the railroad track as he headed out to the Johnson residence, knocking him down. Fred then carried Peter into the barn, dug a hole in the north stall and buried him in there. Fred lived and carried on with the farm work, selling off stock and produce, which brought about many speculations as to Peter Johnson s whereabouts. On June 22,1904, Sheriff Frank Stevens went to the Johnson farm with eleven other men and began a systematic search for Johnson s body. Johnson s body was found in a stall where the horses were kept. An autopsy later concluded that the skull had been crushed above the right ear. On July 22, 1904 Fred Hokuf shot himself in the abdomen with a 32-caliber revolver and died two days later from the wound. Since then, Osceola County has charged five males and one female with Murder in the 1 st or 2 nd degrees. Osceola County began implementing the actual Iowa Code Section 28E.21 Unified Law Enforcement in The Public Safety Commission is made up of two county supervisors, four small-town mayors, and two representatives from Sibley, the county seat. The public safety commission approves the public safety budget. The budget is funded by a funding formula devised by the commission. The current formula is a hybrid of law enforcement usage and population. There is no doubt that Osceola County is filled with a rich and distinguished history, which makes Osceola Co. a fascinating yet charming place to live and raise a family. In recent years, tighter Doug Weber: Osceola Co. s 18 th sheriff. K-9 Kyzer budgets have continued to plague yet challenge our staff to work harder and provide more services with fewer resources. We face many new challenges each day, with each being unique and different. Meeting those challenges and preparing for those to come is the foundation and dynamic nature of our office. Our primary goal is to form partnerships with the citizens of Osceola County while proactively preventing crime. Visit our webpage at to see our dedication to professionalism, courtesy, and integrity is our commitment to the police profession.

17 Deputy Wyatt Dagel Valeri Croatt Full-time dispatcher/ jailer Deputy Terry Lagenfeld Sylvia Rolfes Custodian Jailer Lt. Seth Hofman Sgt. Scott Gries Michelle Lowe Full-time dispatcher/ jailer Sande Smith Part-time dispatcher/ jailer Deputy Nate Krikke Deputy Matt Julius Chief Dep. Kevin Wollmuth Julie Johnson Full-time dispatcher/ jailer Judy Top head dispatcher/ jail administrator Gayl Tutje Part-time dispatcher/ jailer Iowa s oldest working dispatcher Brenda Hibbing Sheriff s Secretary/ dispatcher/ Jailer Amber London Part-time dispatcher/ jailer Third Quarter

18 Linn County Sheriff s Office Promotes Parks, Payne, Crosser and Colston Sergeant Gene Parks has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant as of February 21, Lieutenant Parks, previously a detective, will serve as the Criminal Division Commander. Deputy Tim Payne has been promoted to the rank of sergeant effective Feb. 21, Sgt. Payne, previously a Patrol Division deputy, will serve as a supervisor in the Correctional Center. Deputy Rod Crosser has been promoted to the rank of sergeant effective March 14, Sgt. Crosser, previously a Patrol Division deputy, will serve as a supervisor in the Correctional Center. Deputy Chad Colston has been promoted to the rank of sergeant as of March 28, Sgt. Colston, previously a Civil Division deputy, serves as a detective in the Criminal Division and the K-9 Unit Supervisor. New Deputies Hired in Jasper, Clay Counties Jeremy Burdess has joined the Jasper County Sheriff s Office as a deputy sheriff, started his duties in May, and enters the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in September. Clay County Board of Supervisors Chair Linda Swanson swore in Deputy Joshua Carris on March 9, The Gold Star

19 Polk County S.O. Mounted Horse Patrol Given $10,000 grant by Prairie Meadows Accepting the grant from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino for the Polk County Sheriff s Office mounted horse patrol (from left to right) are Deputy Jana Rooker, Chief Doug Phillips, Deputy Ron Richards, Deputy Robyn Bartholomew, Captain David Knight, and Chief Vic Munoz. Back row: Dr. Jerry Deegan, John P. Smith, Martha Willits, Dr. Andy McGuire, Mike Mathews, Karrie Weinhardt and Dr. Mary Chapman. The Polk County Sheriff s Office Mounted Patrol Division received a $10,000 grant from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino through its 2009 Community Betterment Grant Program. Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy said they are extremely pleased to have been chosen to receive this grant from Prairie Meadows. A member of the Polk County Sheriff s Office Mounted Horse Patrol, Deputy Robyn Bartholomew, said the funds will allow the Polk County Sheriff s Office to be outfitted with proper attire. Until now, we have been using our personal equipment, Deputy Bartholomew said. Grant funds will help purchase essential equestrian gear such as uniforms, saddles, tack, and training equipment. The Prairie Meadows Grants Advisory Committee, comprised of community, business and education leaders from the greater Des Moines area, reviews all grant requests and recommend funding levels. Recommendations are then presented to the Prairie Meadows Board of Directors for review and approval. Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants are given to projects in one of four categories: Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Education, and Human Services. Members of the Prairie Meadows Grants Advisory Committee include: Dr. Mary Chapman, Dr. Jerry Deegan, Dr. Thomas Glenn, Linda Grandquist, Chaunci Hall, Mike Mathews, Dr. Andy McGuire, Ron Morden, Sunnie Richer, Loretta Sieman, Brad Skinner, John P. Smith, Ginny Strong, Don Timmins, Jodi Urich, Karrie Weinhardt, Martha Willits, and Tom Whitney. Prairie Meadows recently achieved a milestone in giving more than $1 billion through taxes, grants and charitable donations to the State of Iowa. More than $435 million of that figure has remained in the community to promote education, economic development, agriculture, jobs and tourism. Prairie Meadows gives 43% of its revenues to the community. Third Quarter

20 Remembering K9 Trax: by Lois Hall K-9 Trax handler 20 The Gold Star TRAX. His name says it all. He rescued the missing, tracked down criminals, consoled the dying and did everything in between. In his 12-year career, Trax assisted more than 40 agencies in six states and Canada on over 300 searches involving disasters, robbery, burglary, drowning, suicide, murder, missing children and adults, wandering elderly, historical grave location, and evidence recovery. Trax was always on call, day and night, to serve the community and he was very honored to do so. From local hole-in-thewall burglaries to national missing person cases, to friends who lost their glasses or wallets, Trax was eager to help. When Trax located a stolen cell phone hidden in a partially snow-covered hole, investigators in Clinton had the evidence necessary to solve a series of burglaries that had plagued the community. After a plane crashed into the Mississippi River during a storm, recovery efforts failed to locate the missing pilot until Trax identified his location under the wreckage. When a Virginia farmer didn t return from rounding up stray cattle, Trax showed searchers where he was. When two nine-year-old girls were lost in a 2,000 acre park, Trax located their direction of travel up a steep mountain trail. After an elderly woman wandered away from her residence at night in freezing temperatures, Trax found her trapped by a tangle of briars in a ditch along the roadside. When criminal after criminal attempted to elude the police after breaking into a residence, stealing a car, making meth, or stealing anhydrous from a rural community cooperative, Trax tracked them to their hiding places and sent them all to jail. Even two young boys who skipped school for a day could not evade him. When accidents on the river took the lives of boaters and swimmers, Trax pinpointed the areas for the recovery teams to focus their efforts. After fires destroyed buildings and snuffed out innocent lives, Trax located the victims for their families. When requests came to assist with large-scale, multi-agency search efforts after a hurricane, or for a missing person in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, the rural communities of Minnesota, or the wilderness in Ontario, Canada, Trax answered the call. Trax was specially chosen from select West German Schutzhund bloodlines bred by the internationally recognized breeder, Jane Steffenhagen, at Steffen-Haus German Shepherds. As a charter member of Emergency K-9 Operations Inc., Search and Rescue in Clinton, Iowa, Trax began his training when he was 10 weeks old. Under the instruction of Master Trainer Mike LeBlanc, who was a former Air Force and police dog handler, Trax and his handler, Lois, attained Operational Certification in trailing, air scent, evidence recovery, human remains detection, and disaster first response. As a member of the Clinton County Sheriff s Office, Trax was the first K-9 in Iowa to serve on a Sheriff s Reserve. In addition to team certifications, he was nationally certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association. (NAPWDA). He worked with accomplished NAPWDA master trainers from around the country, as well as other nationally recognized trainers including Andy Rebmann (K9 Specialty Search Associates), Kevin Kocher (National Bloodhound Training Institute), Bill Dotson (IDK9, FEMA), and Gary Murray (RCMP retired). Trax also attended numerous training seminars every year, including those given Award-winning K9 Trax at The Body Farm (TN), Department of Homeland Security (Camp Atterbury, IN), Camp Dodge (Johnston, IA) and the FEMA training site (Virginia Beach, VA), While in North Carolina, Trax was a member of REDS, Stokes County Mountain Rescue, North Carolina Project Lifesaver, and FEMA VA Task Force 2. Trax was honored to represent search and rescue dogs in service to mankind by receiving the 2002 SAFE Association K-9 Special Service Recognition Award at their International Symposium. In 2005, Trax also received the American Kennel Club s ACE Award Honorable Mention for Search and Rescue. Thousands of students knew Trax because of his participation in hundreds of educational programs on wilderness safety and abduction prevention, as well as his work with Safety Town, DARE, 4-H, and the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs.

21 His Life, His Legacy The community also knew Trax by his involvement in programs at Purina, Guardian, DuPont, Bemis, ADM, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; Community Watch, Citizen Police Academy, National Night Out, Iowa Association of Investigators, NASAR, and International SAFE Symposium. As a nationally certified Therapy Dog, Trax worked with Alzheimer s sufferers to improve memory and reduce anxiety; with physical, occupational & recreational therapists during rehabilitation of head trauma patients; with troubled adolescents learning anger management and self-control techniques; and to comfort the terminally ill. He also worked with Special Olympics and Up With Families. Throughout the years, Trax regularly visited at Forsyth Hospital Whitaker Rehabilitation Center, Genesis Medical Center, Sarah Harding Senior Residence, and the Alverno Health Care Facility. Trax helped establish Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs at Forsyth Medical Center Adolescent Unit and The Ronald McDonald Houses in both Winston-Salem and Iowa City. He was honored with the Ronald McDonald House Volunteer of the Year Award and as a Therapy Dog International Outstanding Active Volunteer. Using his unique form of therapy, one of his most important searches involved finding an 11-year-old cancer patient during a mock search. Derek was depressed both physically and mentally when he met Trax that afternoon. In an attempt to lift his spirits, he was told that Trax could find him wherever he hid inside the house. But, he was told, once found, he would have to play with Trax to reward him. Derek agreed and went to hide in a closet in his upstairs room. Trax slipped into his harness on the front porch, took Derek s scent and went to work. He tracked into the house, along the front hallway, up the stairs and into Derek s room. When Trax barked at the closet door, Derek emerged with a huge smile and played a great game of tug with Trax. Laughter had replaced the sadness that was on Derek s face only a short time before. This simple act sparked hope for a courageous boy who became one of Trax s best friends. In December 2004, while traveling to Kentucky, Trax survived emergency surgery for bloat and torsion and spent days in Intensive Care before regaining the strength to return home and, in time, to his search work. In 2008, after a strenuous missing person search, Trax suffered a near-fatal attack on his liver. But he again fought back, undergoing months of physical therapy to once again continue the work that he loved. In May, 2009, after Trax began having balance problems during agility exercises, he was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma. Throughout his chemotherapy treatments at Purdue University s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Trax continued to train and search. His strong will and enduring spirit kept him enjoying life and fighting the disease until the very end. Trax served with honor and distinction. He helped bring solace to grieving families and justice to criminals. Trax was an extremely devoted companion, a caring therapy dog and an accomplished search dog who would truly go the distance. that others may live. He was my defender, my partner, and my friend. Faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. K-9 Trax Ultrax Vom Steffen Haus TD, TT, TDIAOV, TDInc, CGC. Emergency K-9 Operations & North American Police Work Dog Association. Certifications: Obedience/Control, Agility/ Socialization, Article/Evidence, Air Scent/Area Search, Search and Rescue, Human Remains Detection, Disaster First Responder & Distinguished Expert Trailing. Clinton County Sheriff s Office - First Reserve Sheriff s K-9 in Iowa Therapy Dogs, Inc. - Registered Therapy Dog. December 9, March 12, 2010 Handler: Lois Hall Save the ISSDA money by sending your address change to: ISSDA, PO Box 526, Atlantic, IA or thegoldstar@mchsi.com Winter School Dates Winter Embassy Suites Dec. 5-8, 2010 $ Dec. 4-7, 2011 $ Third Quarter

22 The DPS State Fire Marshal Division Operates Four Bureaus: Building Code, Fire Prevention Inspection, Arson & Explosives, Fire Service Training by Director Jim Kenkel Division of the State Fire Marshal 22 The Gold Star The State Fire Marshal Division (SFM) was established in 1911 and is the oldest of the five divisions within the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The SFM Division mission statement is: Through promotion and enforcement of fire safety regulations, training, building code provisions, and fire investigations, this division helps reduce the loss of life and property by fire. The State Fire Marshal Division is currently comprised of four bureaus: Building Code Bureau Fire Prevention Inspection Bureau Arson & Explosives Bureau Fire Service Training Bureau There are currently 30 sworn officers and 55 civilian employees who make up the staff of the State Fire Marshal Division. The staff within the SFM Division has been very busy during the past year. Building Code Bureau The State Building Code Bureau is charged in Iowa Code 103A with the adoption and enforcement of the State Building Code. The Bureau is headed by Stuart Crine, State Building Code Commissioner. The Bureau enforces the code through plan reviews of state owned buildings, as well as state funded buildings and schools that are constructed in areas without local building code enforcement. In addition, the Bureau handles plan reviews for buildings subject to the State Fire Code such as hospitals and day cares. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the Bureau reviewed 661 sets of construction plans. Recently, the responsibility to ensure the safe design and construction of nursing homes and assisted living facilities was transferred to this Bureau from the Department of Inspections and Appeals. In 2007, the Bureau initiated an inspection program for construction projects subject to the State Building Code and for projects involving the installation of manufactured homes and modular structures. Electrical Licensing and Inspection In 2007, the General Assembly established a statewide program for the licensure of electricians and the inspection of electrical installations. While the licensing function reports directly to the State Fire Marshal through the Board s Executive Secretary, the inspection function is managed under the Building Code Bureau. Twenty electrical inspectors and supervisors conduct inspections on most electrical installations throughout the State. Local jurisdictions may continue to perform their own electrical inspections if desired. Since the inspection program began on March 1, 2009, the inspectors have carried out 16,579 inspections on over 14,000 different projects. Electrical permits are purchased though an Internet based system at iowaelectrical.gov. Fire Prevention Inspection Bureau The SFM Fire Inspection Bureau is led by Fire Prevention Supervisor Ron Humphrey and Assistant Fire Prevention Supervisor Kyle Gorsh. Fire inspections are conducted in a number of facilities across Iowa. In FY 2009, state fire inspectors conducted 3,687 fire inspections across the state of Iowa (an increase from 3,479 inspections in FY 2008). Approximately 40 percent of the fire inspectors work load deals with health care facilities. Inspectors also inspect all correctional facilities, to include the County jails, in Iowa communities. There is a backlog for inspections in facilities like schools and colleges. However, at this time the Fire Inspection Bureau is fully staffed with 16 inspectors and optimistic that higher staffing levels would help eliminate the current backlog. Arson and Explosives Bureau The Arson and Explosives Bureau is led by Assistant Director Jeffrey Quigle. Ten Special Agents are assigned to the Bureau and have statutory authority to investigate fire and explosion scenes to determine cause and conduct criminal investigations directed toward arrest and prosecution. The Bureau also has statewide responsibility for the investigation of bombings, rendering explosive devices safe, and inspecting and licensing explosive storage facilities throughout the state of Iowa. Special Agents of the Arson and Explosives Bureau are certified Bomb Technicians. Each Special Agent attends a six-week course at the FBI Hazardous Devices School located at Red Stone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. This Dir. Jim Kenkel course has evolved from a three-week to a six-week program and includes all instruction and aspects to meet the needs of today s bomb technician. Special Agents are also trained to safely dispose of old explosives and military ordnances. The Arson and Explosives Bureau has conducted 334 case investigations and has closed 289 cases during calendar year Currently, the bureau has 52 active investigations. Fire Service Training Bureau The Fire Service Training Bureau, led by Bureau Chief Randy Novak, provides fire-related training to all of Iowa s firefighters. In FY 2009, the training bureau provided 1,158 classes which provided training to 17,709 participants. Some of you perhaps attended NIMS courses from one of our field staff instructors. In FY 2009, the training bureau offered certification testing in 230 test sites (to include all 99 counties). These testing sites reached 3,597 participants. We have partnered with all of Iowa s Community Colleges to assist with the delivery of basic firefighter classes. On July 1, 2010, it will become a requirement that all firefighters involved in structural firefighting, including the extinguishment of vehicle fires, be properly trained. This does not mean they have to be a certified firefighter, but have training to meet the standards for a Fire Fighter I program. Another requirement that begins on July 1, 2010, will require all firefighters to obtain 24 hours of annual training each year. This training needs to relate to their jobs to include EMS if they provide those types of services. We also continue to encourage all of the fire departments to work with their

23 July 15: Commissioner Meyer Promoted Saunders, Jobes, Hedlund & Schaffer On July 15, Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Gene Meyer swore in officers taking on new leadership roles within the DPS, including (from left to right): James Saunders, Director of the Iowa Intelligence Fusion Center; Dave Jobes, Assistant Director of the DCI, Larry Hedlund, Special Agent of the DCI, Lt. Dan Schaffer of the ISP. State Fire Marshal s Division, continued neighboring departments to include their local law enforcement. It is much easier to respond to an incident knowing how each other performs their job duties. The SFM Division offers a two-week fire investigation program, held the first two weeks of March, at our fire service training bureau in Ames. Each of you is encouraged to have your staff apply for this program. We make every effort to keep the cost as low as possible for this program. This is a basic fire investigation program that will provide the skills necessary to conduct fire investigations. If you have questions on this class, we urge you to either call our office at , or our fire service training bureau at This class is designed for law enforcement and career fire service professionals. If you have questions about any of the services that our division provides, please call us at The SFM Division is located on the third floor of the new Public Safety Building, 215 East 7 th Street, in Des Moines, just southwest of the Capitol. Please feel free to stop by and meet our staff. Third Quarter