5 minute read
Paying tribute
from NDN-SS-05-13-2022
by Shaw Media
PAYING TRIBUTE Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice
File Photo Local law enforcement guards march down a sidewalk carrying flags during a 2019 Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony held on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn.
A group that no one ever wants to grow, the fallen officers of Jasper County gained a new member with the loss of Prairie City Police Chief Mike German. German died of complications from COVID-19 Jan. 13.
German served in the Prairie City Police Department since 2014, taking over as police chief following the departure of former chief Joe Bartello in 2020. His death was considered a line of duty death.
“We are deeply saddened with the passing of Chief German, our thoughts and prayers go out to Angi and the rest of his family,” former Prairie City Mayor Chad Alleger said. “I personally will miss our many conversations, laughs and his love for our community. May he Rest In Peace.”
To commemorate his time on the force, his badge number, 292, was retired by the Prairie City City Council. A memorial was also formed around his police vehicle featuring balloons with his badge number, flowers, Batman figures, notes and mementos in honor of the fallen officer prior to his funeral.
German joins the five officers who previously gave their lives in the line of duty. They include:
Lieutenant Patrick Rich-
ardson joined the Newton Police Department July 28, 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant May 10, 2010. Lieutenant Richardson suffered a fatal heart attack Sept. 1, 2013, when he was exercising for the department’s agility test.
Officer Bobby Barrickman
joined the Newton Police Department July 1, 1974. Officer Barrickman was killed Sept. 30, 1979, in a traffic accident while on duty.
Officer Dan McPher-
ren joined the Newton Police Department Dec. 4, 1973. Officer McPherren was shot and killed Sept. 13, 1985, when he responded with other officers to a robbery at a grocery store.
Officer Donald Rusty
Hewitt served the Prairie City Police Department until the time of his death Dec. 3, 1977. Officer Hewitt was killed in an automobile accident during a high-speed pursuit.
Reserve Captain Howard Holdefer
served the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office until the time of his death Oct. 30, 1973. Reserve Captain Holdefer suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting other deputies in the arrest of three individuals near Reasnor.
German
Richardson Barrickman McPherren
Each year, during the second week of May, our nation honors our fallen law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. More recently, we have also used this week to honor their families, and those law enforcement officers that are still serving.
While the entirety of my career has been spent in Jasper County, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with law enforcement officials from all over the country.It is no secret that the last few years have presented unique challenges: police-involved shootings and use-of-force incidents, the pandemic, political unrest and severe weather have tested our resilience.
There is an advantage to working in the Midwest, in Jasper County, Iowa. The majority of our citizens support and trust our law enforcement officials. We strive for transparency and professionalism, while not only addressing current challenges, but planning for future needs and problems. During the 2020 derecho, first responders and citizens worked side by side, almost immediately after the sky cleared, to address immediate needs of communities.
Recent times have taught us to stand by core standards of law enforcement, but also be willing to look and step outside the box. In some cases, we need to get creative, working with our communities on problem solving and mitigation planning. We have a significant number of groups and resources, both paid and volunteer, in our county, that have provided input, services and time as we work to address these challenges.
However, an area that we have struggled with, and in the past was largely unaddressed, is the mental health and wellness of our first responders and support staff. Recently there has been much talk about taking care of team, and the impact of cumulative traumatic and stressful events that we respond to.
A singular event, may it be traumatic or large in nature, can create significant effects on our first responders, let alone those who respond to multiple events over a number of years. Things can add up and eventually, without proper recognition or coping skills, we can lose our first responders. By losing, I mean they leave the profession entirely, or have work performance issues relating to cumulative effect, requiring resignation or termination. Finally, in some cases, suicide is the end result.
Last year, we hosted a training for all area first responders regarding mental health and wellness. Recognition of symptoms, self care and coping skills were key topics introduced to those in attendance. As we look towards the future, we are hosting additional mental health and wellness training in August, along with annual, one-on-one, mental health and wellness checkups with providers who specialize in working with first responders.
Now, more than ever, our first responders are faced with daily challenges and stressors, along with those experienced in normal daily lives- relationships, children, finances, etc.We are committed to providing transparent and professional law enforcement services. But in order to do so, we must take care of our own team members.This is just the start. And we are continuing to look and step outside the box in order to work for and with our citizens and communities.
Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty
The following businesses would like to thank all law enforcement officers for their bravery
Thank You
for your service!
Your service & professionalism is appreciated! 110 N. 5th Ave. W., Newton 641-792-0115
Dodd’s
Trash Hauling & Recycling, Inc
We appreciate all that work in
BLUE and their support staff that keep us safe each day.
