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Officer Awards
Awards and Recognition Committee
The Dubuque Police Department has an Awards and Recognition Committee was created in 2015 and exists to recognize past and present department personnel for their service to the community, for acts which were above and beyond the call of duty, for acts which by their nature were such that the employee placed his/her life in jeopardy, or for acts that brought public acclaim to an employee, the department, and the law enforcement profession.
Officers can nominate others for department awards. Nominations are reviewed by the Awards and Recognition Committee, and approved by the Chief of Police.
Officers may wear one or two award pins on their uniform, just above their name tag.
Class I Awards
Legion of Honor
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department, who in the line of duty, distinguishes himself/herself by performing an act of bravery or valor, which involved imminent personal hazards or risks to life, having full knowledge of the risks, with a subject armed with a dangerous weapon. The Legion of Honor is the highest award presented by the Dubuque Police Department.
Gallantry Star
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department, who in the line of duty, distinguishes himself/herself by performing an act of bravery or valor, which involved imminent personal hazards or risks to life, having full knowledge of the risk while using sound judgement and tactics. The Gallantry Star is the second highest award presented by the Dubuque Police Department.
Wounded in Combat
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department, who receives a wound, in the line of duty, which was inflicted intentionally by an adversary, with a weapon or with the intent to inflict serious of life threatening injury.
Class II Awards
Significant Injury on Duty
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department who, in the line of duty, receives an injury caused by criminal or negligent actions of another person which causes severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, loss of consciousness, or other illness or injury determined significant by the Chief of Police, Chief’s designee, or the awards committee and overcomes the injury to return to full duty.
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department who distinguishes himself/herself by an act of extraordinary achievement, or unwavering dedication to duty and meritorious service which contributed to the overwhelming success of the department’s mission and future wellbeing.
Police Commendation
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department in recognition of unique or superior leadership skills or meritorious service beyond what is expected while performing an extraordinary task that involves problem solving, initiative, thoroughness, and sound decision making while in the performance of his or her duty. This award honors those whose service to the community is noteworthy.
Certificate of Merit
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department who demonstrates personal initiative or performs above normal requirements in the course of his or her duties.
Life Saving
Presented to a member of the Dubuque Police Department for an act performed in the line of duty which through prompt and alert reaction, results in saving a life.
Field Training Officer
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department that is active in the Field Training and Evaluation Program of the Dubuque Police Department.
Specialty 1 – Tactical Award
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who is assigned to any of the following specialty units of the Dubuque Police Department in good standing: Tactical Entry Team, Marksman/Observer Team, Negotiators, Canine Handler, and Mobile Field Force. To remain eligible to wear this citation bar, an officer must be actively utilized in any of the aforementioned capacities by the Dubuque Police Department.
Specialty 2 – Advanced Skills Award
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who is assigned to a specialty unit including: Underwater Search and Rescue, Departmental Armorer, Drug Recognition Expert, DARE, Accident Reconstructionist, Police Explorer Advisor, Auxiliary Advisor, or Drone Team.
Specialty 3 – Full Time Specialty Unit Award
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who is assigned to a departmental permanent, full-time, multi-officer specialty unit including: Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Community Oriented Policing Unit (COP), School Resource Officer (SRO), Dubuque Drug Task Force (DDTF), Traffic Unit, or the Neighborhood Response Team (NRT). Former members of the specified units who left in good standing are eligible for this award.
Instructor / Firearms Instructor
Instructor – Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department that is certified as a Police Instructor and is actively being utilized in this capacity by the DPD.
Firearms Instructor – Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who is a certified firearms instructor and is actively being utilized in that capacity by the Dubuque Police Department.
Honor Guard
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who is assigned as a member of the departments Honor Guard Unit and is actively serving in that capacity.
Physical Fitness Award
Awarded to those officers that successfully complete the physical fitness standards in which the sit and reach, push-ups, sit-ups and the mile and a half run are scored. Those officers who meet the minimum standards as set forth by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy will be awarded the left pin and those officers who meet the preferred standards as set forth by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy will be awarded the right pin.
Military Service
Worn by a member of the Dubuque Police Department who has honorably served in any branch of the United States Military, including reserve and National Guard status, completed their tour of duty and received an Honorable Discharge.
The Patriot
Worn by members of the Dubuque Police Department for their continued dedication in the defense and protection of the United States.
Service Medal
Awarded to those officers as recognition to their dedication to the City of Dubuque, the Dubuque Police Department and the police profession. This citation will be awarded in 5 year service increments.
Recipients
The following officers have received awards:
| Officer | Award | Date | Assignment | Incident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Bock | Certificate of Merit | January 2015 | Patrol Investigator | Hate Crime investigation & conviction |
| Nicholas Schlosser | Certificate of Merit | January 2015 | Criminal Investigations | Federal firearms cases |
| Kurt Rosenthal | Life Saving Award | November 2015 | Patrol Division | AED & CPR use to save a life |
| Rick Fullmer | Police Commendation | December 2015 | Patrol Division | Dangerous crime scene investigation |
| Jason Pace | Certificate of Merit | December 2015 | Community Policing | Extensive criminal mischief investigation |
| Kurt Rosenthal | Certificate of Merit | January 2016 | Patrol Investigator | Vehicle theft and burglary investigation |
| Brandon Bauer | Certificate of Merit | February 2016 | Patrol Investigator | Gang and counterfeit currency investigation |
| Nicholas Jobgen | Certificate of Merit | February 2016 | Neighborhood Response Team | Gang and counterfeit currency investigation |
| Michael McTague | Certificate of Merit | February 2016 | Patrol Investigator | Gang and counterfeit currency investigation |
| Craig Salmonson | Certificate of Merit | February 2016 | Neighborhood Response Team | Gang and counterfeit currency investigation |
| Ryan Scherrman | Certificate of Merit | March 2016 | Patrol Investigator | Elderly scam investigation |
| Andrew Harden | Gallantry Star | March 2016 | Patrol Division | Entered burning building to evacuate tenants |
| Justin Dura | Life Saving Award | April 2016 | Patrol Division | AED & CPR use to save a life |
| Jay Murray | Certificate of Merit | April 2016 | Patrol Division | Off-duty assistance of another agency |
| Jeff Bellis | Certificate of Merit | July 2016 | Patrol Division | Assist with a suicidal person |
| Chad Crabill | Life Saving Award | July 2016 | Patrol Division | AED & CPR use to save a life |
| Thomas Pregler | Life Saving Award | July 2016 | Patrol Division | AED & CPR use to save a life |
| Russell Stecklein | Distinguished Service | July 2016 | Patrol Division | Career service recognition |
| Paul Avenarius | Certificate of Merit | February 2017 | Community Policing | Human trafficking and prostitution investigation |
| Luke Bock | Certificate of Merit | February 2017 | Community Policing | Human trafficking and prostitution investigation |
| Chad Crabill | Certificate of Merit | February 2017 | Patrol Division | Human trafficking and prostitution investigation |
| Sam White | Certificate of Merit | February 2017 | Patrol Division | Human trafficking and prostitution investigation |
| Riley Fairchild | Life Saving Award | February 2017 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Chad Caszatt | Life Saving Award | March 2017 | Patrol Division | Child rescue from a structure fire |
| Dane Cox | Life Saving Award | March 2017 | Patrol Division | Child rescue from a structure fire |
| Stan Ryan | Life Saving Award | March 2017 | Patrol Division | Child rescue from a structure fire |
| Brad Hesselbacher | Gallantry Star | May 2017 | Patrol Division | River rescue of a suicidal individual |
| Brian Jobgen | Police Commendation | June 2017 | Patrol Division | Business and bank robbery investigation |
| Gabriel Kalkbrenner | Life Saving Award | July 2017 | Patrol Division | Family rescue from a structure fire |
| Kurt Rosenthal | Life Saving Award | July 2017 | Patrol Division | Family rescue from a structure fire |
| Justin Dura | Life Saving Award | August 2017 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Sade Pointer | Certificate of Merit | November 2017 | Patrol Division | Assist with a suicidal person |
| Jay Murray | Life Saving Award | January 2018 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Casey Smith | Life Saving Award | January 2018 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Rick Fullmer | Gallantry Star | February 2018 | SRO/DARE | High elevation rescue of a suicidal individual |
| Jason Pace | Gallantry Star | February 2018 | Patrol Division | High elevation rescue of a suicidal individual |
| Michael Hernandez | Life Saving Award | November 2018 | Patrol Division | AED & CPR use to save a life |
| Jonathan Brokens | Significant Injury On Duty | April 2019 | Patrol Division | Significant exposure incident |
| Jay Murray | Police Commendation | April 2019 | Patrol Division | Significant exposure response |
| Sade' Pointer | Police Commendation | April 2019 | Patrol Division | Significant exposure response |
| Evan Armour | Life Saving Award | May 2020 | Patrol Division | Successful tourniquet application resulting in a life saved |
| Nate Wall | Life Saving Award | May 2000 | Patrol Division | Successful tourniquet application resulting in a life saved |
| Gary Pape Jr. | Certificate of Merit | May 2020 | Patrol Division | Apprehension of fleeing murder suspect |
| John Digman | Distinguished Service | July 2020 | Staff Bureau | Career service recognition |
| Scott Baxter | Certificate of Merit | January 2021 | Patrol Division | Research project leadership |
| Joel Cross | Certificate of Merit | January 2021 | Community Policing | Research project leadership |
| Steve Radloff | Certificate of Merit | January 2021 | Community Policing | Project leadership |
| Marty Steil | Certificate of Merit | January 2021 | Criminal Investigations | Project leadership |
| Rebecca Stieber | Distinguished Service | January 2021 | School Resource Officer | Career service recognition |
| Dane Cox | Certificate of Merit | March 2021 | Community Policing | Started and maintained a program to obtain necessities for the disadvantaged during holidays |
| Scott Koch | Certificate of Merit | March 2021 | Community Policing | Lead and operated a shelter for those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic |
| Brendan Welsh | Certificate of Merit | March 2021 | Patrol Division | Project leadership |
| Steve Eastvedt | Distinguished Service | March 2021 | Staff Bureau | Career service recognition |
| Carter Meyer | Certificate of Merit | July 2021 | Patrol Division | Apprehension of armed fleeing suspect |
| Dane Bakken-Drinkall | Life Saving Award | August 2021 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Clark Egdorf | Life Saving Award | August 2021 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Joel Cross | Life Saving Award | August 2021 | Community Policing | AED use to save a life |
| Phillip Friedman | Life Saving Award | August 2021 | Patrol Division | AED use to save a life |
| Mark Dalsing | Distinguished Service | September 2021 | Staff Bureau | Career service recognition |
| Nathan Wall | Certificate of Merit | September 2021 | Patrol Division | Research project leadership |
| Evan Armour | Significant Injury On Duty | October 2021 | Patrol Division | Injured while apprehending a suspect |
| Nicholas Soppe | Certificate of Merit | October 2021 | Patrol Division | Robbery investigation |
| Jordan Waddick | Significant Injury On Duty | October 2021 | Patrol Division | Injured while apprehending a suspect |
| Kim Hoover | Certificate of Merit | January 2022 | Patrol Division | Exceptional handling of a brain health call and follow-up |
| Brian Wullweber | Certificate of Merit | January 2022 | K9 Officer | K9 training program development |
| Ann Dauderman | Police Commendation | February 2022 | Criminal Investigations | Human trafficking and prostitution investigation |
| Jason Pace | Police Commendation | March 2022 | Criminal Investigations | Leadership recognition |
| Brendan Welsh | Police Commendation | April 2022 | Community Policing | Leadership recognition |
| Matthew Gamperl | Life Saving Award | May 2022 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Brandon Gudenkauf | Life Saving Award | May 2022 | School Resource Officer | CPR use to save a life |
| David Lois | Significant Injury On Duty | May 2022 | Patrol Investigation | Injured while apprehending a fleeing suspect |
| Mark Lorenzen | Life Saving Award | May 2022 | School Resource Officer | CPR use to save a life |
| Joel Cross | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | Community Policing | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Clark Egdorf | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | Patrol Division | Murder investigation |
| Brandon Gudenkauf | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | School Resource Officer | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Jason Hoerner | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | School Resource Officer | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Mark Lorenzen | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | School Resource Officer | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Brianna Marzette | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | School Resource Officer | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Sade' Pointer | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | School Resource Officer | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Nathan Wall | Certificate of Merit | June 2022 | Community Policing | Police & Fire Youth Camp |
| Bryce Eberly | Life Saving Award | July 2022 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Cody Schwochert | Life Saving Award | August 2022 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Matt Levin | Certificate of Merit | October 2022 | Patrol Division | Dangerous subject apprehension |
| Casey Smith | Certificate of Merit | October 2022 | Patrol Division | Terroristic threats investigation |
| Chad Crabill | Certificate of Merit | November 2022 | Patrol Investigator | Fraud and forgery investigation |
| Nicole Brehm | Certificate of Merit | December 2022 | Community Policing | Research project leadership |
| Jacob Humpal | Life Saving Award | December 2022 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Allison Bailey | Certificate of Merit | March 2023 | Patrol Division | Brain health call for service |
| Luke Bock | Certificate of Merit | April 2023 | Patrol Division | Drone use and scene leadership to assist an outside agency with a missing child |
| Sage Schroeder | Certificate of Merit | May 2023 | Patrol Division | Domestic assault / attempted murder investigation |
| Brian Wullweber | Distinguished Service | May 2023 | K9 Officer | K9 handler service recognition |
| Jordan Waddick | Certificate of Merit | May 2023 | Patrol Division | Criminal mischief investigation |
| Dawn Dempsey | Distinguished Service | August 2023 | Staff Bureau | Career service recognition |
| Brandon Barbour | Life Saving Award | November 2023 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| David Haupert | Certificate of Merit | November 2023 | Patrol Division | Service recognition |
| Austin Manders | Life Saving Award | November 2023 | Patrol Division | CPR use to save a life |
| Nathan Wall | Life Saving Award | November 2023 | Community Policing | CPR use to save a life |
| Joel Cross | Certificate of Merit | December 2023 | Community Policing | Peer Support and Critical Incident project |
| Nathan Lech | Certificate of Merit | December 2023 | K9 Officer | Peer Support and Critical Incident project |
| Austin Weitz | Certificate of Merit | December 2023 | Criminal Investigations Division | Drug distribution investigation |
| Nathan Lech | Certificate of Merit | January 2024 | K9 Officer | Brain health call for service |
| Kane Hoffmann | Certificate of Merit | February 2024 | Patrol Division | Burglary investigation |
| Rylee Leitzen | Life Saving Award | May 2024 | Patrol Division | Tourniquet use and medical care to save a life |
| Evan Hingtgen | Certificate of Merit | July 2024 | Patrol Division | Shots fired investigation |
| Jason Hoerner | Certificate of Merit | July 2024 | Patrol Division | DARE conference organization |
| Ann Dauderman | Police Commendation | December 2024 | Patrol Division | Leadership recognition |
| Rick Fullmer | Police Commendation | December 2024 | Staff Bureau | Leadership recognition |
| Craig Salmonson | Police Commendation | December 2024 | Patrol Division | Leadership recognition |
| Ryan Scherrman | Police Commendation | December 2024 | Patrol Division | Leadership recognition |
| Brandon Barbour | Life Saving Award | October 2025 | Patrol Division | Rescue of a suicidal subject. |
| Dakota Bierer | Life Saving Award | January 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR & AED use to save a life. |
| Evan Hingtgen | Life Saving Award | January 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR & AED use to save a life. |
| Kane Hoffmann | Certificate of Merit | April 2025 | Patrol Division | Community outreach project. |
| Joel Cross | Life Saving Award | July 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR to save a life. |
| Nathan Goedken | Life Saving Award | July 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR to save a life. |
| Brendan Nugent | Life Saving Award | July 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR to save a life. |
| Joshua Vauthier | Life Saving Award | July 2025 | Patrol Division | CPR to save a life. |
| Alyssa Klawitter | Certificate of Merit | September 2025 | Patrol Division | Elderly theft investigation. |
| Alyssa Klawitter | Certificate of Merit | October 2025 | Patrol Division | Community outreach project. |
| Sage Schroeder | Life Saving Award | October 2025 | Patrol Division | Rescue of a suicidal subject. |
| Justin Stair | Life Saving Award | October 2025 | Patrol Division | Rescue of a suicidal subject. |
| Austin Manders | Life Saving Award | December 2025 | Patrol Division | Trauma care to save a life. |