NDN-SS-5-14-2018

The Thin Blue Line represents the law enforcement who daily protect our nation.

They are Courageous and Compassionate, Fearless and Fair, Brave and Benevolent, Prepared to Save, Ready to Serve, Willing to Protect ... even if it means giving their life for yours.

National Police Week May 13 - 19, 2018

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 2

The following businesses would like to thank

all law enforcement officers for their bravery

DirecTech

™

SM-NE5195769-0514

112 E. 4th St. S. Newton, IA 50208

www.wearenewton.com

®

1501 1ST AVE E. | NEWTON, IA 641-792-7030

SM-NE5195768-0514

641-792-4880

EMPLOYEE OWNED

Thank You for Protecting our Community

NEWTON

EYE CLINIC STRONG HISTORY - SECURE FUTURE www.trubank.bank

2506 1ST AVENUE EAST, NEWTON

641-792-3246

Dr. Thomas A. Hayden O.D. Dr. Daniel J. Hanisch O.D. 641.792.7375 or 800.247.7803

Meeting the Needs of our Residents Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally!

Call Katie for a tour today!

200 S. 8th Ave. E., Newton, IA • (515) 745-2411

SM-NE5195859-0514

SALES • SERVICE • LEASING • PARTS • COLLISION REPAIR

People like to do business with people they KNOW & TRUST 641-792-6412 2900 1st Ave. E., Newton SM-NE6995583-0514

DirecTech™ Company

We would like to thank all local law enforcement for their service.

Visit Our Community Site

www.jaspercountyguide.com

800-622-0034 1501 N 15th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208

SM-NE6995578-0514

Heating •Air Conditioning • Plumbing

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE 409 N. 23rd Ave. W., Newton, Iowa 50208

(641) 792-1186

www.brookwoodinc.com

“Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten”

111 1st Ave. E., Newton

SM-NE6995589-0514

A

SM-NE5195783-0514

Premier Dealer

Working for the Success of the Newton Area: Community Focused, Business Oriented 113 1ST AVENUE WEST NEWTON, IA 50208 FOR THE LATEST NEWS & EVENTS CALL: (641) 792-5545 WWW.EXPERIENCENEWTON.COM EMAIL: INFO@EXPERIENCENEWTON.COM

SM-NE6995603-0514

Proud supporter of local law enfrocement

®

Crime Stoppers offers reward money for general crimes Newton Daily News Jasper County Crime Stoppers is shifting its focus from most wanted to most proactive.

The local nonprofit has announced it is offering up to $500 for the arrest and conviction of people committing common crimes such as burglaries, thefts, drug deals and other criminal activities.

“Crime Stoppers plays an important role in making Jasper County a safer place to live. Citizens are able to submit tips anonymously to law enforcement for past crimes that haven’t been solved as well as current crimes, or even suspicious activity,” said Sgt. Chris Wing of the Newton Police Department. “To the individual, it may seem like

a very small insignificant detail but that little detail may be the last piece of the puzzle that is needed to solve a case.”

During its inaugural year, the nonprofit’s volunteer board worked with local law enforcement to create Most Wanted lists which were cir-

culated in newspapers and on social media. The lists led to dozens of arrests last year.

“Crime Stoppers is now broadening its scope, from primarily most wanted persons, to rewards for information on general crimes,”

Wing said. “This proactive approach will hopefully help encourage people to get involved and reduce crime.”

The mission of Crime Stoppers to empower citizens to make their neighborhoods, schools and businesses safer through anonymous reporting of crime without fear of retaliation. ​ “We want to encourage citizens to submit tips about anyone who is committing burglaries, thefts, drug deal, any criminal activity,” Wing said.

To report crime, citizens can call 641-792-8362, text JASPER to 274637 (CRIMES) or submit tips online at jaspercrimestoppers.com. Find more information about Jasper County Crime Stoppers visit http:// jaspercrimestoppers.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jaspercrimestoppers.

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 3

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 4

The following businesses would like to thank

all law enforcement officers for their bravery

Let us be part of the solution Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Services Supported Community Living Psychological Testing Children’s Behavioral Services

641.792.4012 | 306 N 3rd Ave E, Newton, IA SM-NE5195773-0514

JT Teague Construction LLC “A FULL SERVICE CABINET AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY”

Thank you to all law enforcement for your service to this community 641-831-4811 thomesinc@msn.com SM-NE5195775-0514

Our clinic and laboratory are open every Saturday morning to better fit your schedule.

1802 S 12th Ave W, Newton, IA 641-792-6226 • lsteenhoek@shomo-madsen.com Troy Teague & Tanner Teague

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE • HEALTH • CROP

DIMENSIONS ACCOUNTING Accounting and Income Taxes

SM-NE6995592-0514

• • • •

641-792-2112 or 888-788-2804 300 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton www.newtonclinic.com

Thank you for your Service

Personal and Small Business Tax Prep Full Service Bookkeeping Payroll and Tax Filing Authorized E-File Provider 641-792-2058

101 1/2 1st Ave. W., Newton

www.dimensionsacctg.com • sherry@dimensionsacctg.com

You CAN Afford McCann!

212 First St. N. Newton | (Just North of Forbes)

641-792-3111 Hours: M-F 8:30 am-6 pm | Sat 9 am-2 pm

2901 Rusty Wallace Dr., Newton, IA 1105 E. 12th St. S., Newton | www.mccannvillage.com

Call 792-3018 for information.

SM-NE6995582-0514

641-792-1292 www.john sonaviation.net

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 5

Bridge dedications aim preserve memory of NPD’s fallen officers

‘It is our responsibility to share their stories’

Anthony Victor Reyes/Daily News Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess stands in front of the cabinet that displays plaques in honor of the three fallen NPD officers at the police department.

By Anthony Victor Reyes Newton Daily News When Rob Burdess first joined the Newton Police force in 1999, Lt. Patrick Richardson was assigned as his field training officer.

For six weeks, Burdess patrolled the streets of Newton with Richardson. Despite Richardson’s quiet demeanor, Burdess said he watched the Newton officer work and picked up several important values he would carry throughout his career — dedication to the community, role of physical fitness in law

enforcement and passion for policing.

So when Burdess became police chief in 2015, it was only natural that he wanted to find a way to preserve the memory of Richardson, who died from a heart attack in 2013, and the other two officers who died on active duty.

Soon three bridges will help bring Burdess’ mission to fruition.

“It is our responsibility to share their stories ... these guys worked hard. Their families sacrificed a lot for this profession. It is the least we can do to honor them in this

way,” Burdess said. “We have known about this program for a few years. It is something we wanted to do. We finally got the time to make it happen.”

According to Burdess, work began on dedicating three bridges in Newton in honor of Richardson and two other fallen officers in the fall.

As Iowa Administrative Code allows bridges in the state to be named after individuals who displayed a great contribution to the community, the now NPD police chief said it was only natural for the police department to honor the three officers who died while

on active duty.

Soon after receiving support from both Newton City Council and Jasper County Board of Supervisors, the Iowa Department of Transportation approved the dedication in April.

Now in the final planning stages, Burdess said signs on both openings of the three dedicated bridges will soon greet passersby. Each bridge will tell a unique and exemplary story of a person who served the Newton community.

The bridge on Interstate 80 at exit 168, on the east side of Newton, will be dedicated in honor of Officer Bobby Barrickman. According to Burdess, Barrickman, who joined the force on July 1, 1974, was the first NPD officer who was killed in the line of duty. On Sept. 30, 1979, the 33-year-old died after a vehicle struck his police car head-on while he was patrolling the east Newton.

“That was a big hit on the department. It was the first officer we lost ... there are still folks in our community who are aware of that incident.

We still have officers who have retired from the department who were on scene that night,” the police chief said.

“Two vehicles were drag racing when they hit him. He was in his patrol car. Often times people think he was just in an automobile accident. Now the folks that hit him didn’t mean to hit him, but having said that, they were doing something illegal when they did strike his vehicle and caused that crash.”

Officer Daniel McPherren

was the second person on NPD who died on active duty.

As many longtime residents can recall, the 11-year officer was killed while responding to a robbery at the old HyVee West, Sept. 13, 1985. The 36-year-old was fatally shot after a gunfight ensued between McPherren and the two robbery suspects.

Similar to Barrickman, the bridge dedicated to McPherren near the location of the fatal incident. The bridge that will honor the fallen officer is on I-80 near exit 164, adjacent to the west side location of the former grocery store.

“That was the one that everyone knows about — the robbery and shootout at the old Hy-Vee,” Burdess said.

BRIDGES | 7

Submitted Photo Officer Daniel McPherren, who was killed while responding to a robbery Sept. 13, 1985, will be one of the three officers who will have a bridge dedicated in his honor. The bridge dedicated to McPherren is located on I-80 near exit 164, near the location of he was killed.

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 7

Bridges Continued from Page 5 “He really revolutionized our training and how we train for firearms. Our firearms range is named after him because he started our first organized, firearms training. This program is still going on today.”

A final bridge will be dedicated in remembrance of Lt. Patrick Richardson. According to Burdess, as Richardson experienced his heart attack near Agnes Patterson Memorial Park — a spot with no nearby bridges — the department initially looked into dedicating a bridge on the Reasnor Road near East 12th Street South in honor of the fallen officer.

But after learning it was not a

bridge included in the dedication program, they decided to dedicate the bridge on Highway 14.

“This is the fifth anniversary of his death,” Burdess said.

“About half to two-thirds of the department worked with Pat. There is a good connection with Pat and his family around town.”

As many of the families of the fallen officers will be in town to attend the police memorial ceremony May 17, Burdess said he hopes to have the bridges dedicated in congruent to National Police Week.

“The question on the table is how quickly can we make this happen,” Burdess said. “When we first made our application, they were made aware of our timeline. They haven’t, by any

means, said no this can not happen. We just haven’t got the final approval on the dates.”

The chief said whether the bridge dedications are held during police week or later in the summer, he is glad he has done his part to preserve the memory of the three fallen officers and ultimately share their remarkable stories.

“For years to come, (people) are going to drive down the interstate or (Highway) 14 and say ‘Hey, look at that,’ and think of them,” Burdess said.

“Whether they are from Newton or coming out of state, they will have a second of reflection on maybe what that officer’s story was.”

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com

Submitted Photo Lt. Patrick Richardson, who died from a heart attack Sept. 1, 2013, will be one of the three officers who will have a bridge dedicated in his honor. Richardson served the department for 23 years.

Submitted Photo Officer Bobby Barrickman who was killed while responding to an automobile accident Sept.

30, 1979, will be one of the three officers to have a bridge dedicated in his honor. The bridge dedicated to McPherren is located on I-80 near exit 168, near the location of he was killed.

Anthony Victor Reyes/Daily News National Police Week will be celebrated around the U.S. from May 13 to 19. Events are scheduled around Newton May 17 and 18 honoring area law enforcement officials.

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 7

Bridges Continued from Page 5 “He really revolutionized our training and how we train for firearms. Our firearms range is named after him because he started our first organized, firearms training. This program is still going on today.”

A final bridge will be dedicated in remembrance of Lt. Patrick Richardson. According to Burdess, as Richardson experienced his heart attack near Agnes Patterson Memorial Park — a spot with no nearby bridges — the department initially looked into dedicating a bridge on the Reasnor Road near East 12th Street South in honor of the fallen officer.

But after learning it was not a

bridge included in the dedication program, they decided to dedicate the bridge on Highway 14.

“This is the fifth anniversary of his death,” Burdess said.

“About half to two-thirds of the department worked with Pat. There is a good connection with Pat and his family around town.”

As many of the families of the fallen officers will be in town to attend the police memorial ceremony May 17, Burdess said he hopes to have the bridges dedicated in congruent to National Police Week.

“The question on the table is how quickly can we make this happen,” Burdess said. “When we first made our application, they were made aware of our timeline. They haven’t, by any

means, said no this can not happen. We just haven’t got the final approval on the dates.”

The chief said whether the bridge dedications are held during police week or later in the summer, he is glad he has done his part to preserve the memory of the three fallen officers and ultimately share their remarkable stories.

“For years to come, (people) are going to drive down the interstate or (Highway) 14 and say ‘Hey, look at that,’ and think of them,” Burdess said.

“Whether they are from Newton or coming out of state, they will have a second of reflection on maybe what that officer’s story was.”

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com

Submitted Photo Lt. Patrick Richardson, who died from a heart attack Sept. 1, 2013, will be one of the three officers who will have a bridge dedicated in his honor. Richardson served the department for 23 years.

Submitted Photo Officer Bobby Barrickman who was killed while responding to an automobile accident Sept.

30, 1979, will be one of the three officers to have a bridge dedicated in his honor. The bridge dedicated to McPherren is located on I-80 near exit 168, near the location of he was killed.

Anthony Victor Reyes/Daily News National Police Week will be celebrated around the U.S. from May 13 to 19. Events are scheduled around Newton May 17 and 18 honoring area law enforcement officials.

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 8

Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News Jasper County Jail’s Chief Jailer Wendy Hecox stands with Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty at the Law Enforcement Center in Newton. Hecox was named the 2018 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year for Jasper County and will be honored at the Peace Officer Memorial ceremony on May 17 at the Jasper County Courthouse.

Chief Jailer Hecox named Law Enforcement Employee of the Year

By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News A little shocked — that’s how 2018 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year Wendy Hecox felt when she found out she was selected for the honor. Hecox will be presented the award

during the 2018 Jasper County Peace Officer Memorial ceremony May 17 at the Jasper County Courthouse.

Hecox has worked at the Jasper County Jail for the past 21 years, the last 11 years serving as the chief jailer. She is the leading force behind

organizing, controlling and maintaining the jail, which at times houses more than 75 inmates.

“I never really thought about it that way. I always look at the deputies out on the street, when they are pulling someone out of a fast moving stream or

saving someone from an overturned car. I think about those type of things as being the more heroic side of it. I don’t think about the fact that we deal with these people day in and day out,” Hecox said.

The Ft. Madison native landed in Jasper

County after traveling around the country.

A friend thought she would be right for the job and got her in touch for an interview.

“I had a year to kill, no problem,” Hecox said. “I went and interviewed and they said, ‘OK, start Monday,’ and I’ve been

here ever since.”

Over the past 21 years, Hecox has experienced both ups and downs working at the jail. From being head-butted, peed and spit on by inmates to having to physically wrestle them to the HECOX | 9

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 9

Hecox Continued from Page 8 floor, the job is not for the hesitant or weak. On the flip side, getting positive feedback from former inmates who have bettered their lives makes it all worth it, Hecox said.

“You also get those rare occasions when you get a thank you letter because you helped them out to get into treatment, and now they are doing good. I got an email from a guy that said, in my 26 years in law enforcement, I have never had anybody be as attentive and concerned about a victim’s needs in any jail except your staff. Those are the things you like to hear,” Hecox said.

“If we can help one person, it is worth it.”

Unlike most administrators, Hecox said her favorite part of the job is completing the paperwork. At times, when working with inmates causes her to do some deep breathing, the administrative side is the fun part that fits her personality.

“Wendy does a job not everyone can do and has done so for more than 10 years.

People in jail often experience some of the worst moments in their life, and you need a strong leader to handle both the inmates and their families,” Newton Daily News Associate Editor Pam Pratt said. “It’s important that we recognize the behind the scenes people of law enforcement. From all accounts, Hecox is a hard working and dedicated member of the Jasper County staff.”

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said he recognizes the importance of the various duties and liability concerning the jails and that the chief jailer bears the brunt of all of those responsibilities. With the changes the jail has made, from increasing the number of inmates to added technology and inmate requirements, Halferty said Hecox has dealt with the constant challenges head on.

“Chief Jailer Hecox has handled these changes and continues to supervise one of the best jail facilities in Central Iowa,” Halferty said. “She is well deserving of this award. I congratulate her on this award, and her dedication and service to Jasper County.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com

Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News Chief Jailer Wendy Hecox has been named the 2018 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year for Jasper County. Hecox has been with the Jasper County Jail for 21 years, the last 11 as chief jailer.

Thank you for a job well done!

Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News Chief Jailer Wendy Hecox assists fellow employee Lisa McAdams at the Jasper County Jail.

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 10

The following businesses would like to thank

all law enforcement officers for their bravery

Optimae

Newton Church of The Way

115 N 2nd Ave E Newton 641-792-7574

1730 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208 P: 641-787-9133 | F: 641-787-9135

641-792-2780

Like us on Facebook

Tea Room Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-4:00pm Now Serving Breakfast

309 1st Ave W • Newton • 641-792-2970 Call or Email for Reservations megan@huntermansion.com www.lemontreeteahouse.com SM-NE6995602-0514

500 First Street North, Newton, Iowa 50208

641-791-5000

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM SM-NE6995606-0514

1919 1st Ave E • Newton, IA

At your side. On your side.

Park Centre Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation 4401 SOUTH 22ND AVENUE EAST, NEWTON, IA 50208 P [641] 791.1160 F [641] 791.1166 NEWTON.IA@AMERICINN.COM

Steven G. Rabedeaux, DDS

www.wesleylife.org

SM-NE6995524-0514

SM-NE6995523-0514

Service Times: Sundays at 9:00 & 10:45am

Service, Solutions and Your Smile

L I F E S E R V I C E S

SM-NE5195791-0514

SM-NE5195790-0514

Would like to THANK our local law enforcement for being OUR PROTECTORS! You are Appreciated!

310 N 2nd Ave E, Newton, IA 50208

(641) 792-5125

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 11

5th Annual Richardson Run honors fallen NPD officer

By David Dolmage Newton Daily News

‘We do it for Pat’

Lieutenant Pat Richardson was the kind of guy who made an impression wherever he went — just ask the police officers he worked with at the Newton Police Department.

When Richardson, an avid runner, died suddenly after suffering a heart attack in 2013 during one of his early morning runs, his fellow officers wanted to find a way to pay tribute to their fallen comrade.

In honor of him, they organized the inaugural Richardson Run, a memorial 5K race. In its fifth year, the event has become an annual spring tradition for runners in Jasper County. This year’s race is scheduled for May 19, with

runners leaving the gates at 9 a.m. from Berg Middle School in Newton.

Entry into the race is $25, which includes a T-shirt for runners who pre-registered

by May 7. The money raised by the race will go toward expanding the Newton Law Enforcement Museum and to expand a memorial for Richardson outside of the police station in Newton.

For Officer Julie Britton, who serves as the secretary and treasurer of the police association, hosting the run every year is a way to keep Richardson’s memory alive.

“I think he’d be honored that we still keep his legacy going, and it’s great for his family as well,” Britton said.

When Britton started her career in Newton, Richardson

was one of the first coworkers she met. One of her first memories of Richardson was when he pulled her aside and taught her how to shine her boots correctly. Using a combination of “fire and water” paired with a liberal dose of shoe polish, Richardson’s method produced perfect results. Even now, when Britton shines her boots, she still uses the “Richardson way” every time.

“I felt pretty honored that he’d teach me how to do that,” Britton said. “I’m never going to be the master that Pat was.”

Even though she’ll be the first to admit she’s not much of a runner, Britton still ran in the first 5K, and now she works behind the scenes to organize the event. Britton isn’t the only officer with the Newton Police Department who

volunteers to help organize the Richardson run. Officers from the department handle most of the work involved with setting up the event.

More than 170 runners attended for the inaugural event, with people coming in from several neighboring states to pay their respects. In 2014, Deby Mullen and her family came from Blaine, Minn., to participate in the run.

“We’re actually neighbors with Chris and Jordan Hoff (Richardson’s son-in-law and daughter) so we came, because well, they’re neighbors,” Mullen said. “Jordan’s parents used to come and visit Jordan, and we would see them every once a while and when Jordan’s dad died, it really hit home for us.

“We came to support Jor-

dan. The kids said they wanted to run, so we said, ‘Let’s go,’ and made a family road trip and here we are.”

Wet, rainy weather slowed participation last year, but Britton said she’s hoping the event continues to grow.

“I’d like to have more people running, but I’m happy with the support in the community we’ve had,” Britton said.

While pre-registration has already closed this year, Britton said the police department will have a few extra T-shirts on hand to make sure they have room for a few last minute sign-ups. Gift cards will be handed out to the top finisher in each age division.

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com

The following businesses would like to thank all law enforcement officers for their bravery

HEALTHCARE OF NEWTON

• Long Term Care • Skilled Nursing Care • Hospice Care • Diabetes Care • Rehab to Home Respite Care • State of the Art Rehab Gym

EA

S

T

SM-NE6995613-0514

1743 S 8th Ave E Newton

641-792-5680

• Pr Pre-Need Need A Arrangements nt • Personalized Traditional & Memorial Services • Crematory on-site

1115 E. E 19th St. S N. N

N to IA Newton,

787-9911

w w w. w a l l a c e f a m i l y f u n e r a l h o m e . c o m

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 12

The following businesses would like to thank

all law enforcement officers for their bravery Forbes Office Solutions would like to thank the

Jasper County Law Enforcement for their service

Dodd’s

Trash Hauling & Recycling, Inc

Missy Cupples

Phone: 641-792-6085 Fax: 641-792-3906

1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, Iowa 50208

The

SM-NE6995517-0514

Christian Conference Center

5064 Lincoln Street, Newton, IA 50208 Southeast of the Speedway - Alcohol Friendly Facility -

641.792.1266 | newtonccc.org

Call to schedule a tour today!

SM-NE5195822-0514

screen printing • embroidery • promotional products dcsports1@yahoo.com

102 N. 2nd Ave E., Downtown Newton • ForbesOS.com • 641.792.6168

The Finest in Early Childhood Education (2-10 year olds)

120 1st St N, Newton, IA 50208 (641) 792-7277 SM-NE6995594-0514

SM-NE6995586-0514

The

Floor Store CARPET • VINYL • CERAMIC • WOOD LAMINATE • WINDOW TREATMENTS • LUXURY VINYL TILE

Est. 1983

Free Consultation & Measuring 513 E. 5th St. N., Newton 792-7228 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:00am-5:30pm United Way of Jasper County

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

We’re still open in the same location!

Midtown Cafe

Recycling start time is 9 PM Trash start time is 5 AM 2910 W. 4th St. S., Newton 641-791-9195

220 1st Ave E., Newton 641-792-7894 www.cappystire.com SM-NE6995518-0514

Dan & Margaret Ellis - Owners

H Mon-Fri • 9-5 O U Saturday • 9-1 R S After Hours by Appt

128 N. 2nd Ave. E. • 792-2999

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 13

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Number of deputies: 17 certified law enforcement positions including the sheriff, chief deputy, two lieutenants, one sergeant, 10 current certified reserve deputies Number of civilian staff: Four civil staff, four part-time transport, two part-time civil process, nine dispatchers, 16 full-time jail staff and six part-time jail staff Total years of service: More than 200 years

John R. Halferty, Sheriff

Number of years in law enforcement: 31 Number of years in current position: 5.5

Newton Police Department Number of officers: 23 sworn officers Number of civilian staff: Five civilian staff Total years of service: 270

Chief Rob Burdess

Number of years in law enforcement: 21 years Number of years in current position: 3 years

Duane Rozendaal, Chief Deputy

Number of years in law enforcement: 31 years Number of years in current position 5.5 years

Lt. Ron Cook

Number of years in law enforcement: 28 years Number of years in current position: 19 years

Aaron Groves, Lieutenant

Number of years in law enforcement: 14.5 Number of years in current position: 5

Brad Shutts, Lieutenant

Number of years in law enforcement: 22 Number of years in current position: 16

Mike Gunsaulus, Sergeant

Number of years of service: 8 Number of years in current position: 1

Lt. Bill Henninger

Number of years in law enforcement: 33 years Number of years in current position: 23 years

Lt. Wayne Winchell

Number of years in law enforcement: 19 years Number of years in current position: 6 years​

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 14

The following businesses would like to thank

all law enforcement officers for their bravery

COXES GREENHOUSE

NEWTON’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED FULL SERVICE BANK FOR OVER 80 YEARS. Shaped by our Past, focused on Your Future. fo

M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • Sun 10-4

THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COMMUNITY Member

100 N. 2nd Ave. W. Newton 641-792-3010

1821 First Ave. E. Newton 641-792-9420

1008 N 11th Ave E

www.fnnbbank.com

Services, Inc.

• Long Term Care • Skilled Nursing Care • Hospice Care • Diabetes Care • Rehab to Home Respite Care • Memory Care Unit

24 Hour Towing

SM-NE6995519-0514

ES

T

641-792-1505

W

641-791-1127

641-792-3015

Barney’s

HEALTHCARE OF NEWTON

2130 W 18th St S Newton

Newton

Local Auto & Truck Repair Shop • Lowboy Service Light & Heavy Duty Towing • Total Recovery Services Load Transfers & Storage • Wrecker Service

S.E. Beltline Park, Newton, IA Official Wrecker Service of the Iowa Speedway.

Full Service Meat Counter Meat 792-3325

Farm Fresh Produce

PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

641-792-2387

Grocery 792-7950

200 N. 8th Avenue E. Newton, IA

120 N. 3rd Ave. E., Newton

Thank you for your service to our community

www.brookermech.com

SM-NE6995516-0514

IOWA’S MOST ECONOMICAL FOOD STORES!

“A Few Good Men”

SM-NE6995580-0514

• Annuals • Perennials • Hanging Baskets • Patio Planters • Garden Flowers

May 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 & 26 1701 S 8th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208 (641) 792-1230 • www.newtontheatre.com

Culver's thanks the Protectors of our community for their loyal service.

Culver’s of Newton

1650 W. 19th St. S. | Newton, IA 50208 | 641-787-9900 Fried chicken no longer available.

For All Your Insurance Needs Lonnie M Portner, Agent 123 E. 2nd Street S., Newton • Bus: 641-792-6000 lonnie.portner.p4jn@statefarm.com SM-NE6995522-0514

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 15

Baxter Police Department

Colfax Police Department

Chief: Rick Nichols Interim Chief: Adam Choat Part-Time Officers: Scott Brammer, Mike German and Andy Hansen

Chief: Andy Summy Officers: Ryan Downing, Rich O-Dell and Bill Sickels Part-Time Officers: Charles Bemis, Chad Koch and Dayton Spears Reserve Officers: Mike Adams, Terry Alfree, Mark Backstorm, Shawn McCauley, Matt Pierce and Jim Sickels

Prairie City Police Department Chief: Joe Bartello Officers: Amy Bladus and Mike German Part-Time: Don Crook, Dixiana Cruz, Jason Cunningham, Lucas Hauser and Steven Johns Reserves: Heather St. Ores, Abby Lazella, Beau Murry and Matthew Schneider

Monroe Police Department Chief: Nick Chambers Full-Time Officer: Scott Brammer, Dixiana Cruz and Steven Wright Part-Time Officers: Shawn Buckingham, Trapper Carter, Mike German and Steven Johns

Our Protectors • May 2018 – Page 16

Homecoming SRO patrols the same schools she attended

By David Dolmage Newton Daily News Officer Julie Britton may be the only person in Newton who doesn’t look forward to the start of summer. As the Newton Police Department’s School Resource Officer, Britton keeps an office at Newton High School and works Britton closely with staff and administrators in the Newton Community School district.

When students take their annual summer break, Britton shifts back to patrol work until classes start up again in the fall.

“I love it, I love this position, I love this job, it’s amazing,” Britton said. “If I could make it a career I would.”

Britton is nearly finished with her second year as SRO, more than halfway through a three-year rotation. With the department’s smaller size, officers rotate in and out of specialty positions, typically working three-year terms.

“The kids are just excited to see me. Teachers are always happy to see me,” Britton said.

As the district SRO, Britton serves as a liaison between the police department and the schools. Working with kids across Newton means she’s one of the department’s most visible officers.

A large part of Britton’s job

is helping students navigate the perils of social media. She estimates much of the bullying happening in schools today is social media related, something she’s concerned about.

Britton’s seen the effects social media can have on kids, she tries to stay off the internet as much as she can.

“It’s easy to comment about someone on Facebook,” Britton said. “It is pretty big out there, we just need to get rid of the internet.”

Most of the time students aren’t aware the mean comments they’ve posted about a classmate online constitutes harassment, a problem Britton is happy to rectify. When teachers or administrators reach out to her, she’ll meet with students and have them read the definition of harassment from the police handbook she carries with her.

Britton’s no-nonsense attitude is enough to straighten kids out. In two years, she has yet to charge a student with harassment.

“I’m honest with them. If you’re going to do this, you’re going to be charged with harassment,” Britton said.

Britton also works with students to educate them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. She hosts 2 Good 4 Drugs, working with guidance counselors at elementary schools across the district to teach kids how to recognize when they’re being peer pressured, and how to say no effectively.

Early prevention efforts like 2 Good 4 Drugs have helped cut down on drug-re-

David Dolmage/Daily News Officer Julie Britton interacts with students on the playground at Emerson Hough Elementary.

lated problems in the district.

While drug use remains an issue in the Newton community, Britton said she doesn’t believe drugs are a problem at the high school.

“They’re around, most of the time they don’t make it to school,” Britton said.

Even when she isn’t at work Britton said she’s often recognized around town. A Newton native, Britton graduated from NHS in 2008. After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011, she was hired by the department.

“I knew I wanted to stay in the area,” Britton said.

Mornings start early for the SRO. She and her husband own Cornfed CrossFit in Newton, where she teaches several classes. After teaching, she’ll head to the police department where she checks emails before making her rounds at each building. During the day she stays in contact with principals via cell phone, heading to wherever she’s needed.

For Bill Peters, NHS principal, seeing Britton walk through the halls at the high school is a reminder of how long he’s been working in the building. Like Britton, Peters

is a NHS graduate, and he’s glad to see another familiar face every day.

Britton’s personality has made her popular with staff and students at the high school, Peter said.

“It’s kind of intangible, but she’s got a personality that’s caring and honest,” Peters said. “When dealing with kids, some of these situations are tough, but they know she cares about them even though she’s a law enforcement officer.”

Britton works hard to build a connection with students.

As she mingles during recess at Emerson Hough Elementary, she’s swarmed by students who have a million questions.

She stops to talk to every student who comes up to visit with her. Britton has a hug, a handshake or a high five for every student she meets.

Making that connection with students is one of her favorite parts of the job.

“It’s nice to see them making that connection, they remember who I am and they’re excited to see me,” Britton said. “That’s why I like coming to the elementary schools, I feel like a superhero when I’m

here.”

Helping students build a positive relationship with a police officer is something Britton takes to heart — she’s acutely aware some students may have a negative view of law enforcement, and she wants them to know how much she cares.

“Some of these kids have had a bad experience with law enforcement, it’s nice to give them a positive experience,” Britton said. “The police aren’t bad people, but sometimes bad things happen.”

Working through those bad experiences is the toughest part of Britton’s job — she hates charging kids, but it’s part of being a police officer. After watching her work through some cases in the last two years, Peters said he’s come away from the experience impressed by Britton’s work. She puts in the extra effort to research problems, and often her findings go beyond what staff members at the high school have learned.

“Sometimes the ending is something I didn’t expect, but that’s because she’s researched it so well,” Peters said.

With her brother working as a deputy sheriff in southeastern Iowa, Britton was able to develop an early interest in law enforcement. By her senior year of high school, she knew what she wanted to do.

Coming back to work in her hometown is just serendipity.

After more than half a decade with the department Britton can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I love my job every day, the variety is what does it for me,” Britton said. “It’s worked out really well.”

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com