05/12/2026
NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL WEEK
May 11-May 16, 2026
National Police Memorial Week has always been an impactful week for me personally since I began my career, way back in 1997. From the moment I decided to dedicate my life to public service through policing, I was aware of the possible cost. That awareness has been reinforced through every training, every call for service, and every lost officer since that time. I have witnessed the cost firsthand. From 1997 until December 31, 2025, the date through which statistical data is available, 5781 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty across this nation. 5781 men and women, with moms and dads, or spouses and children, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, friends and co-workers. I have attended more police officer funerals than I care to speak of, and have spent time with enough officers who were, by the grace of God, the near misses. Out of these 5781 officers lost, 37 of these were Iowa officers. When an officer is lost in the line of duty to a profession that is more than a job, it is a calling, it is not just felt in one family, but in many, not just mourned in one agency, but in all. It truly is a nation’s loss.
I never want to take for granted how lucky I have been to serve with some great people, in great Iowa communities in the last almost thirty years. There have been some monumental changes in law enforcement during that time, that have professionalized policing and have raised the bar on expectations that communities have of their officers. Those changes have been brought on by tragedy and at times injustice. Some of those incidents have brought this country together in awe-inspiring ways, and others have, at least in the moment, polarized populations to a degree that one questions if harmony will ever be achieved again. I have witnessed the best in our communities and in our profession rise to the occasion in these scenarios, with a commitment to service, justice and professionalism that meets the bar of a society that demands such. It has been an honor to be a part of that service.
The Decorah Police Department has thirteen sworn officers who have made that decision to wear the badge, knowing the possible cost-they that took an oath to serve and protect, to uphold the Constitution of this great country and this great state. They do so with pride, integrity, accountability, a sense of humor, and always with a deep personal investment to their community. The Decorah PD is blessed to have the company of other law enforcement professionals at the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and surrounding agencies that are our brothers and sisters through service. We recognize telecommunicators and corrections officers and the civilian staff that keep our records in line that help our agencies run smoothly. As an administrator, I am thankful every day for them.
For National Police Memorial Week, I encourage you to really look at those wearing the uniform in your community. They too are moms and dads, neighbors, sons, daughters, and grandparents, navigating the same things you are in a world that is uncertain and crazy at times. Their kids go to the same schools yours do. They worship in some of the same places you do. They shop in the same stores you do. They read the same news you do and probably share some of the same concerns you do. The work they do is not easy work, but it is work that does make a difference—in little ways and in big ways. They have provided the gift of time through CPR that was administered timely and properly. They organize “fill the squad” food drives for the food pantry to help ensure those that have food insecurity have a resource. They have been a friend to a child in grade school that needed one. They have advocated for victims in a world that has been silent for far too long in some cases. They have prevented a fatality accident with the OWI arrest that was made. They have changed a kid’s trajectory by sharing DARE or online safety instruction. They celebrate their communities with National Night Out, pizza parties and kickball with students, bike rodeos, or Cops n’ Rodders car/bike shows. This is the work that can get lost in a lot of communities, but we are not going to lose it in ours. To do what we do, the Decorah Police Department must be representative of our community, and our community representative of us. Only together do we succeed.
We observe National Police Memorial Week by remembering those that gave the ultimate sacrifice doing a job that we dearly love. We remain thankful for the opportunity to continue to protect and serve here in Decorah and Winneshiek County. We acknowledge the additional 363 names that will be added to the memorial wall in Washington D.C. this week. We honor our fallen brothers and sisters with this solemn request and promise, “Rest Easy brave protector, we’ll take it from here” and by doing it well.
For the record-special thanks to so many who throughout the year think of law enforcement with cards and notes of thanks, treats, meals, etc. Your support is felt not only by us but also by our families. Your kindness goes a long way on the hard days. Thank you for making Decorah and Winneshiek County such a wonderful place to call home!
Chief Tricia Thein
