Officer Awards

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.