What word best describes you?
Accountable
Title
Chief of Police
* at time of recognition
Employer
City of Knoxville
* at time of recognition
Lives In
Knoxville
Education
Centerville High School
Buena Vista University
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
International Association of Chiefs of Police
FBI National Academy
Upper Iowa University
Activities
Iowa Chiefs of Police – Legislative Board Member
Rotary – Former Board Member
Knoxville Recreation Center Commission
Knoxville Heritage Foundation
State of Iowa Dependent Adult Protective Advisory Council
Knoxville Soccer Club – Former Board Member
100+ Men on A Mission
Knoxville Police Department Freedom 5K
Various other groups and activities
Working in Marion County
- The sense of community is what I like the best about working in Marion County. Policing, especially over the past few years can be an extremely difficult job. The support we receive from our community as well as surrounding communities makes our job rewarding and enjoyable. All law enforcement agencies in Marion County consist of dedicated and talented professionals who work well together for the safety of all.
Living in Marion County
- Again, the sense of community is what makes Marion County a great fit for me and my family. The sense of pride we take in our communities cannot be understated. Although Des Moines is a short drive from Marion County, if one looks, you can find almost everything they need right here. While we have many of the same problems as every other community, by and large, we are a safe community with excellent public safety entities and folks who truly look out for each other.
Favorite Place to Relax
My family and I enjoy the Lake Red Rock area. We often go there to swim, kayak, fish, hike or ride our bikes. I am just getting into gravel bike riding, so I plan to explore the many gravel roads of Marion County on bicycle with friends. My family and friends enjoy hanging out at local restaurants such as One-Eleven and at Peace Tree Brewery or Atlantic & Pacific Pub here in Knoxville. We also enjoy spending time together at each other’s outdoor living spaces.
Career Opportunities
- If you look, there are many opportunities for career advancement. Networking with the local groups and at the many events would be at the top on my list. Volunteering for local groups and organizations would be second. The information available and the amount of people one can get to know simply by volunteering and networking is invaluable. Law enforcement in Marion County has made significant progress in bringing training to our officers and volunteers over the past several years. If you have an idea on how to grow professionally, chances are there are others in our communities who would join you in this endeavor.
Community Favorites
Our best amenity has to be Lake Red Rock. The number of outdoor opportunities the lake provides has something for everyone. Other recreation opportunities are plentiful in all of our communities. Each town has a variety of restaurants and shopping establishments too. Our schools are great and full of professionals who care for, and like us, want what is best for our children. Our city and county governments are progressive, which has and hopefully will lead to continued growth across our county.
Career Advice to Teens
- Think long and hard about if this is the right career path for you. While policing is extremely rewarding, it is certainly not for everyone, which is okay. Request to do a ride along with your local agency and talk to the officer you are doing the ride along with about the job and what they like the best and the least about it. Talk to an officer you know and trust about the job and encourage the conversation to be open and honest. While we in law enforcement have a front row seat to real life, it can and often is messy. It is certainly not what you see, hear or read on the news and social media. Don’t think that Criminal Justice is your only option for college. Law Enforcement agencies these days are looking for a diverse set of skills that can be gained from many college or technical programs.
Mentor
Dan Losada, Former Knoxville Police Chief
What is your wish for the Red Rock Area?
- My biggest wish for Marion County is for continuous growth and prosperity, all while maintaining our sense of community. This includes having an open mind to new ideas and ways of life as we transition into our ever-changing society.
What is your biggest passion, and why?
I am passionate about a lot of different things, but my greatest passion are my children, Eli and Lia, and to ensure they are ready for adult life. My wife, Cindi and I work daily to instill in our children, Eli and Lia, the values of objectivity, accountability, and hard work. We are convinced that without these values, life will be much more difficult than it has to be.
3 Hobbies
Watching my children at school & sports events, Exercise and Podcasting
