Law Enforcement Employee of the Year
May 9 - 15, 2021 May
THANKS to THOSE Who Keep Us Protected
Inside:
CALL TO ACT
Response to 40-car pileup showcased multi-agency collaboration in perilous situation
Letters from the Leaders | Paying Tribute | Police Officer Q&A
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 2
PAYING TRIBUTE
Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice • 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 McPherren 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.
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• 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.
all law enforcement officers for their bravery
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• 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.
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• Lieutenant Patrick Richardson 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.
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Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 3
BURDESS: ‘No greater honor for our officers than to protect and serve’ National Police Week is a time for reflection
Each year, communities across the United States come together during National Police Week to commemorate police officers, past and present, who, by their faithful service and loyal devotion to duty, Chief Burdess protect our communities. By many accounts, 2020 was an unprecedented year for our country and our law enforcement officers. The challenges faced by our police officers and first responders during the pandemic shed light on the important work and sacrifice involved in serving our communities every day. Not only did law enforcement officers have to be concerned with ensuring the safety of their community, they also had to take extra precautions in protecting themselves and their family members. In 2020, 234 law enforcement officers died as a result of on-duty exposure to COVID-19. Sadly, the deaths did not stop there as 128 additional officers made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty as a result of gunfire, assaults and other tragedies, making 2020 the deadliest year for U.S. law enforcement since 1930. Being a law enforcement officer is not easy as danger is present every day, but that does not make the loss of any of these officers any easier. These officers left behind families, fellow police officers, friends and a community that needed their protection. The sacrifice each of these officers made with their life and the sacrifice our officers who work every day to make our communities safe is nothing less than amazing. We know too well what sacrifice looks
like in our community with the tragic loss of Officer Bobby Barrickman in 1979, Officer Dan McPherren in 1985 and Lt. Pat Richardson in 2013. Their legacies live on today throughout our department and community. Last year wasn’t easy for our nation’s law enforcement community. Tragic events across the country led to an unprecedented amount of civil unrest and a return of strained relations between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. These events have forced law enforcement and community leaders to reflect on policies, procedures, training and how
police officers interact and connect with community members. Law enforcement officers want nothing more than to serve their communities and protect the vulnerable from the evil within our society. The job description for law enforcement officers has grown exponentially over the past decade and the expectations our nation has placed on the shoulders of law enforcement officers is overwhelming at best. Now more than ever our communities need to come together to support our law enforcement officers and provide the resources that are desperately needed to effectively protect and serve their com-
munity. It’s a great honor to serve as the police chief for Newton, and I am humbled to lead an amazing group of men and women at the Newton Police Department. We are fortunate in our county to have a number of professional law enforcement agencies protecting our citizens and the working relationship between these agencies is second to none. I am proud of the service and sacrifice that each and every one of our officers makes for our community and know there is no greater honor for our officers than to protect and serve the citizens of Newton. — Rob Burdess, Chief of Police
Newton Police Officers walk by wreaths holding portraits of Officer Bobby Barrickman and Lt. Patrick Richardson, both of whom died on active duty, during a 2019 Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony held on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn. Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 4
HALFERTY: ‘We honor those who have gone on before us’ Jasper County sheriff reflects on the challenges and risks of law enforcement
quences of performing our duties. Iowa an all-out effort on our part. We assist- of our local first responders had been State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith was ed with a 20-vehicle pileup east of Kel- killed or injured as the crash unfolded. shot and killed in the line of duty. Sgt. logg, and shortly after that a 40-vehicle Fortunately, they were uninjured and Smith was working with deputies in an crash west of Newton. Both events re- were able to communicate and coordiIowa county similar to Jasper County. quired multiple agencies and resources nate what was needed. The loss of Sgt. Smith is a stark re- working together to rescue injured parDuring the past year, men and womminder of what can happen on any shift ties and provide a safe environment for en in law enforcement have stood tall, and at any time. worked together and continued The past year has to provide services in unprecbeen challenging as edented times. An example of During the past year, men and women in well. COVID-19, severe this is two Jasper County depulaw enforcement have stood tall, worked winter weather, nationties who will soon be awarded al headlines of law enthe Sullivan Brother’s award for together and continued to provide forcement officers being valor, for handling a particularservices in unprecedented times killed, injured and others ly dangerous incident. It has not charged with criminal always been easy or smooth, but violations, just to name we will continue to make our— Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty a few. The Aug. 10, 2020 selves and our profession better. derecho seemed to be another punch the many stranded motorists. By doing this, we honor those who that came out of nowhere. More than 30 people were temporari- have gone on before us and made the Changes in how we do things are ly sheltered at the sheriff’s office. Some ultimate sacrifice. We honor Sgt. Jim always on the horizon. Wearing face- had small children and others had pets. Smith of the Iowa State Patrol and masks, carrying Narcan for potential The wreckage was unbelievable. It those fallen Jasper County officers and drug overdose victims, wearing body came as a surprise we only had two se- their families. cameras and keeping up with the latest rious injuries. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office court case decisions are the norm now. However, from the moment it started, appreciates the support of our commuOn Feb. 4, 2021, a projected snow we knew this was an incredibly danger- nities and citizens. storm quickly turned into a blizzard and ous event. Initially, we thought some — John R. Halferty, Sheriff
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Every year during the second week of May, we hold a police memorial service for those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In the past few years, we also honored and recognized current law enforcement officers for their work. Law enforcement can be both a rewarding and Sheriff Halferty challenging career. Every day, thousands and thousands of officers report for duty and do their jobs in a remarkable manner. We live and work in a state and county that generally supports law enforcement. We work to build relationships with our citizens and other resources. Those relationships and resources enhance our ability to provide a better service to our citizens. Just this past month, we were reminded of the hazards and permanent conse-
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Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 5
The History of Police Week May 15 is designated Peace Officers Memorial Day In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year. The National Peace Officers Memorial
Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others who work in law enforcement. In that spirit, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 sponsors receptions each afternoon and evening during Police Week. These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.
Sobering facts you should know May 15 is designated Peace Officers Memorial Day
• There are more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers now serving in the United States, which is the highest figure ever. About 12 percent of those are female. • Crime fighting has taken its toll. Since the first recorded police death in 1786, there have been more than 22,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Currently,
there are 22,611 names engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. • A total of 1,763 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past 10 years, an average of 176 per year. There were 306 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2020. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report 2019 LEOKA re-
port. • There have been 56,034 assaults against law enforcement officers in 2019, resulting in 17,188 injuries. • The 1920s were the deadliest decade in law enforcement history, when a total of 2,530 officers died, or an average of almost 253 each year. The deadliest year in law enforcement history was 1930, when 312 officers were killed. That fig-
ure dropped dramatically in the 1990s, to an average of 163 per year. • The deadliest day in law enforcement history was Sept. 11, 2001, when 72 officers were killed while responding to the terrorist attacks on America. • The New York City Police Department has lost more officers in the line of duty than any other department, with 954 deaths. Tex-
as has lost 2,046 officers, more than any other state. The state with the fewest deaths is Vermont, with 27. • There are 1,186 federal officers listed on the Memorial, as well as 776 correctional officers and 69 military law enforcement officers. • There are 393 female officers listed on the Memorial; 24 female officers were killed in 2020.
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 6
Going out on top Lt. Bill Henninger named Law Enforcement Employee of the Year Jamee A. Pierson jpierson@newtondailynews.com
A career is not made of one moment or one action. Serving for almost four decades, hundreds of memories and interactions make up the life Lieutenant Bill Henninger built with the Newton Police Department. Almost 33 years after starting with the force, Henninger is retiring but not without being honored at the 2021 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year. “Having somebody make it to 37 years in their law enforcement career is pretty rare and I don’t know if we are going to see that very often in the future..” Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said. “Just looking at his entire career and what he has done, the impact he has had not only in the department but in the community, I felt was worthy of this award. It is not just one thing he has done one year but many things he has done over a 37 year career.” A northeast Iowa native, Henninger did not plan to serve in law enforcement. Like most of his family, he was going to work at the Waterloo John Deere foundry. When lay-offs started rolling through the business, he took a harder look at a career that had always been present in his life. “My dad was a part-time police officer,” Henninger said. “I got to be around the squad cars and police officers and was intrigued by that. In the late 1970s, John Deere started laying a lot of people off so then I started thinking about law enforcement and decided to enroll in police science at the Hawkeye Institute of Technology. That was in 1982, spent two years getting my degree and then went into law enforcement.” His first post was in New Hampton in 1984. After a few years in the smaller community, Henninger was ready to move up to a bigger department with more diverse enforcement situations. “I wanted to get out of the little town because there was only six officers and it
seemed like instead of police work ... it was a lot of just chasing kids around on Friday and Saturday night on Main Street because they were squealing their tires,” Henninger said. “I ended up applying for the state patrol and got on the list there but didn’t get hired. That kind of crushed me because I wanted to be a trooper. Then, I applied in Newton and got a called that they wanted me.” After looking into the department and finding benefits including good pay and insurance, along with a force of 24-26 officers, Henninger and his family made the decision to move. During his time in Newton, he said there has been an ebb and flow to the job. Officers always bring interest from the public because of the high profile work, which can have its ups and downs. “What is going on with the police is always going to be, everybody wants to know why ... everything we do is in the spotlight, a chase, a raid,” Henninger said. “Right now we seem to be in a valley. We can’t do anything right, it seems that way and that is hard on law enforcement and I think I am getting out at the perfect time. I’ve done my time and these young guys and gals can fix it.” While trials and tribulations do come with the job, so do triumphs HENNINGER • 7
Lt. Bill Henninger celebrates at his retirement party in late April. Henninger, who served in Newton for more than three decades, is the 2021 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year. Jamee A. Pierson/Newton News
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 7
Lt. Bill Henninger celebrates his retirement from the Newton Police Department. Newton Police Department Photo
Henninger CONTINUED FROM 6
and relationships. The relationships he built with officers and the interactions he had throughout the years are what he will remember most from his career. “Being here the comradery in law enforcement, the practical jokes, the fun that we had,” Henninger said. “We think it is really fun in the police department to scare each other, I’m really glad that nobody has gotten shot. The comradery, it goes with the job because it is so emotionally
charged with seeing people at their worst or chaotic and we have to make sense of that, try to bring order, try to help and so it is kind of a stress reliever to play practical jokes.” Even up until his last days on the force, the joking continued. The day of his retirement party he got in a last scare, paying back a fellow officer who got him the day before. “Bill really enjoyed the comradery and the team atmosphere here. Joking around and things like that, Bill was always in the middle of that,” Burdess said. “Bill made the work environment a lot of fun, we’re going to miss that day-to-day interaction with
him.” More than the comradery, Burdess said Henninger was gifted with the ability to reach people. During tough situations, he was able to connect and work to resolve the issue unlike anyone else. “Bill had a gift of being able to talk to people. No matter what the incident, Bill had a great knack to be able to connect or de-escilate a situation or build a partnership in the community that maybe wasn’t there before,” Burdess said. “That was something big that I think Bill, just came natural to him and rubbed off on a lot of us that worked with him throughout his
career.” Now that he is hanging up his gear, all 25 pounds of it, Henninger plans to take his father’s advice when starting his retirement. “I’m going to take the advice of my father for the first five months and do nothing, whatever I want to do,” Henninger said. “I’m hoping at that point I kind of get the itch that I want to do something, keep busy. I have three children and 10 grandkids and, of course, the kids have already told me, ‘hey, Dad, I have a tree that needs chopped down and a light to hang.’ It will be nice to not have to put on the 25 pounds of gear for 10 plus hours.”
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 8
CALL TO ACT
Response to 40-car pileup showcased multi-agency collaboration in perilous situation Christopher Braunschweig cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com
Deputy Brad Sheeder recognized one of the squad vehicles buried beneath the twisted wreckage of a 40-car pileup that occurred this past winter on Interstate 80. It belonged to his good friend, trooper Jave Colburn of the Iowa State Patrol. Unsure if his fellow peace officer was alive, Sheeder called out his name. From behind the debris, Colburn thankfully emerged unharmed. Sheeder, who has worked for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office since 2018, had called Colburn about the initial semi-truck crashes that appeared to set the pileup in motion. Colburn was outside his vehicle when it happened. It was struck three times. “I saw him and just (had) a feeling of relief,” Sheeder recalled. “I gave him a hug.” Both state troopers at the scene of the Feb. 4 pileup — and whose cars were inevitably totaled in the incident — left the scene unscathed. In fact, only a few PILEUP • 9
Two Iowa State Patrol cars were involved in the multiple vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 near mile marker 163 in the eastbound lanes west of Newton. The troopers were not injured in the crash as they were assisting other crash victims. Iowa State Patrol Photo
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Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 9
Pileup CONTINUED FROM 8
people had sustained serious injuries. The massive pileup did not claim the life of any driver or passenger, nor the first responders who were at the scene. It could have though, and it’s a troubling thought. Blizzard conditions interfered with travel, causing multiple accidents near the 163 and 175 mile markers on I-80, near Newton. To be a peace officer and report to an emergency situation that could have killed not only citizens but officers as well is not a good feeling. “It was just chaos,” Sheeder said. “All you can do is one thing at a time. You try to handle one thing at a time. If somebody’s OK in their current state and they’re going to be OK, then you try to move on to the next one and just communicate between all law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel what you’ve done.” The scope of the crashes required the response of multiple agencies across Jasper County. Newton News reported mutual aid ambulances from Baxter, Colfax, Kellogg and Monroe were called to the scene; in addition to the state patrol and sheriff’s office, Newton Fire and Newton Police also responded. Sheeder, who normally works as a narcotics detective for the sheriff’s office, happened to be out and about the day of the pileup, hoping to assist where he could. Travel advisories were communicated on all forms of media, even more so after the crashes took place. Iowa State Patrol urged people to stay off the roads. From what Sheeder saw early on, the road conditions “were horrible.” Slippery surfaces. Unrelenting wind gusts. Blowing snow. Poor visibility. Initially, Sheeder was traveling in his undercover squad car going westbound on I-80 near the 162 mile marker before “the chaos happened.” The sheriff’s deputy changed direction to check on a vehicle positioned on the side of the eastbound roadway. The occupants of that vehicle told him they had people to pick them up. Shortly after, Sheeder watched as a
A multiple vehicle crash caused a pileup along the eastbound lanes on Interstate 80 west of Newton. Iowa DOT Photo
semi spun around and hit the guardrail need the 163 mile marker. The deputy got in his vehicle and checked on the driver, who indicated he was fine. By that time, another semi-truck drove by and had spun its rig, hit the guard rail and rolled onto its passenger side. Sheeder checked on the driver, who was shaken up but unharmed. Simultaneously, the second crash was happening near Kellogg. Sheeder radioed dispatch in an attempt to refocus their attention to the situation near mile marker 163 that was continuing to evolve. With one of the semi drivers as his passenger, Sheeder drove them to safety and called Colburn with a synopsis of the accident. Chatter on the radio suggested the incident greatly escalated. Sheeder drove as fast as he could on the ice to get to the scene, while also warning incoming motorists of the pileup ahead. “I hear it starting to evolve and get
worse and worse,” Sheeder said. “I turned on my emergency lights I had in my undercover vehicle, just to get them to slow down because I knew they weren’t going to see it when they popped over that hill. But I knew it was there.” When Sheeder arrived at the scene and got out of his truck, he was taken aback by how strong the wind was blowing. His vehicle was parked at a slight decline on an icy surface. The deputy barely had enough traction on his shoes to push the door shut. Eventually, he looked out over the pile of cars. Sheeder’s eyes affixed to a white van with car seats inside. “I could tell the van had been hit from the back end. There was nobody in it,” he said. “So I started looking around and out in a farm field, I saw a mother and her three children … The only thing I was thinking was: We gotta her somewhere warm with these
kids.” When Sheeder reunited with Colburn, the two officers walked from car to car to check on victims and see if there had been any fatalities. Then the local law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies helped move victims to safety, utilizing a bus from the Newton school district to transport uninjured motorists. Eventually, dispatch communications began to calm down. Sheeder commended the “three great dispatchers” who helped control and manage the chaos presented to first responders that day: Amanda Headington, Brian Marshall and Craig Keith. Miraculously, this scary emergency situation didn’t escalate to a tragedy. “Nobody died and that’s not a coincidence,” Sheeder said. “I truly believe the Lord was watching over everybody that day. It makes you all the stronger in your faith. If you were wishy-washy with it before, it’s hard to be now.”
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 10
Get to know Newton’s newest police officers
Be sure to welcome Stombaugh, Shinkle, Brisel, Osborne to the community MATTHEW STOMBAUGH Q: What sort of activities do you like to do on your time off? A: I enjoy spending time with my family. One thing this job has shown me regarding family time is how important it is to treat every moment as a gift and an investment for the future. Q: Where is Stombaugh your favorite spot in town? A: I enjoy the trails around Agnes Patterson Park, and running/walking there is a good way to get refocused. Q: What is your dream vacation? A: Anywhere there is a mountain or a beach. Q: Why did you want to become a police officer? A: I was inspired to be a police officer when I was around eight years
old. I was at the White County Fair in Monticello, Ind., and met the sheriff who took the time to show me his police car and answer questions. I remember walking away and telling myself I was going to be a police officer and eventually met that goal. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: Being a police officer means you get a front row seat to all the world’s problems. (Let’s face it — nobody calls the police when they are having a good day.) I’ve seen some pretty devastating things throughout my career already, which if you’re not careful can mess with your outlook towards people. There are some days where I go home quite discouraged but have found a secret weapon. In my locker at the police department, I keep a small, handwritten “thank you” note from a person I was able to help. The person who wrote that note may never know how many times it has pulled me through a difficult time and has
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kept me focused on the “why” of the job. Helping people is the best part of this job and often the part that never makes the news cycle. Q: What does Police Week mean to you? A: Police Week is a time for me to remember and reflect on those in law enforcement who have given everything for their communities. ANDREW SHINKLE Q: What sort of activities do you like to do on your time off? A: Spending time with my family. I have been married for about six years. I have a Shinkle 2-year-old son and two dogs. We all enjoy spending time together out of the house with friends. Q: Where is your favorite spot in
town? A: Maytag Park, specifically the pool. I grew up around the area and I have spent a lot of summers hanging out there as a kid. Q: What is your dream vacation? A: My dream vacation would be a week in Estes Park, Colo., in a cabin with my family. Q: Why did you want to become a police officer? A: I enjoy the challenge that comes with law enforcement. You never know what you’re going to get and you must remain adaptive. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: I enjoy knowing my work has a direct and positive impact on the community as a whole. Q: What does Police Week mean to you? A: Remembering the officers who have served before me, continuing their work and to honor their sacrifice. Q&A • 11
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Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 11
Q&A CONTINUED FROM 10
DUSTIN BRISEL Q: What sort of activities do you like to do on your time off? A: I enjoy being outdoors, going for walks with my family, barbecuing, anything sports related. Q: Where is your favorite spot in town? A: My favorite restaurant in town would have to be La Cabaña. I don’t think there is a week Brisel we don’t go at least once. The staff is friendly and great and the food is delicious. Q: What is your dream vacation? A: I think I would love an Australian vacation. Q: Why did you want to become a police officer? A: I’ve lived in Newton my whole life. I thought what better way to give back to the community that raised me than to protect and serve it. This community is awesome and I want to continue to see it grow and be a place that people want to live and come visit. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: I think my favorite part is interacting with different people on a daily basis. You never know what kind of call you’re going to come across and everything challenges you and makes you think things out thoroughly. Q: What does Police Week mean to you? A: It’s a special opportunity to all come together as a department and a community to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also another opportunity for the community to come and interact with us and get to know us and get to know them better as well. GARRETT OSBORNE Q: What sort of activities do you like to do on your time off? A: I love to hike and go camping during
Osborne
the warmer months. I am also into sports, especially baseball and football (both playing and watching). I am an avid food connoisseur and love to cook, grill and smoke meats during my off time. Q: Where is your favorite spot in
town? A: I would have to say my favorite spot in town is Legacy Plaza, specifically the patio at Gezellig Brewing Co. while sipping on a delicious craft beer. I love the atmosphere there and usually end up seeing familiar faces there as well. The weekly food trucks are awesome! Q: What is your dream vacation? A: My wife is going to roll her eyes at this one, but my dream vacation is a week in the woods of Alaska in an off-grid cabin. I would spend the week hunting, fishing and being self-sufficient. Q: Why did you want to become a police officer? A: I have wanted to get into law enforcement since I was a kid and instead of starting at a young age (18-19), I joined the Navy to get the military experience. I intended on only doing four years in the Navy but ended up serving for 10 years, so here I am at 32 years old and just now fulfilling my dream of becoming a police officer. But, better late than never! Q: What do you love most about your job? A: I love having the opportunity to make a difference every day, both in the community and in people’s lives. I also love the people I am surrounded by in the department, they are truly a joy to work with and I am honored and privileged to serve the community with them. Q: What does Police Week mean to you? A: Police Week means a lot to me. Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. This is an opportunity for all of us to show our respect and pay tribute to these heroes.
K9 Officer Smokey No salute would be complete without a shoutout to Smokey
Newton Police Department’s K9 Smokey, pictured here with his handler Detective Walker, was a stray before being trained for the NPD. Newton Police Department Photo
Our Protectors • May 2021– Page 12
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