| BOARD SPOTLIGHT
By Todd Thoeming, ISPA President  Greetings from Davenport to all the members of the Iowa State Police Association (ISPA). I want to thank Past President Zach Lewis for his work as president last year, and for making my transition to president as seamless as possible.
It is with a heavy heart that I touch upon a topic that’s rocked our profession to its core. I’m speaking, of course, about the devastating deaths of our respected colleagues, Sgt. Tony Beminio and Officer Justin Martin. At a time like this, when it feels like there’s nothing adequate to say, I derive comfort from the countless acts of kindness our community has shown to support those in law enforcement. Hundreds of our brothers and sisters in blue from all over the country attended memorial services for these fallen officers. Schools, churches, businesses and individuals flooded us with cards, flowers, food and prayers. And our family and friends provided the solace and comfort we needed during our darkest days. While the tragedy that befell Officer Martin and Sgt. Beminio will never be far from our minds, the love and loyalty they inspired in our community will live on indefinitely. |
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SECRETARY-TREASURER UPDATE
By Rick Host, Secretary-Treasurer
 First, I would like to take a moment to offer my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt. Tony Beminio and Officer Justin Martin, and thank the entire law enforcement community for showing your support for them and their departments at this difficult time. Another conference has come and gone. I would like to congratulate and thank the men and women of Iowa State Police Association (ISPA) Local 7 Sioux City, for all their efforts in hosting another wonderful Annual ISPA Conference. I believe all who attended had a great experience. The educational presentations were very well done and enlightening. The Purple Heart Award ceremony at this year’s conference banquet was a very moving experience for the recipients, their families and the delegates. This is one of those awards we hope we never have to give, but it is something all the members of ISPA can be proud of.
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| HONORING OFFICER JUSTIN MARTIN AND SGT. ANTHONY BEMINIO
Article content courtesy of desmoinesregister.com
 When a driver backed into her car a few weeks ago, Laura Holms was struck with how well Urbandale Police Officer Justin Martin handled the incident — and the kids in her backseat. "Justin was nice enough to stand there for a good 10 minutes, talking to the kids," Holms said. "They were just so impressed that he would take the time with them. And as we left, they said things in the car about how wonderful he was and how cool the officers were." When Holms learned that Officer Martin, 24, along with Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony Beminio, 38, were shot and killed early on Wednesday, November 2nd, she and her family were overcome with emotion. "When we found out that Officer Martin was one of the officers who was killed, my daughter (Dory), who is 9, broke down crying," Holms said. "She even said, 'I don't know why I'm crying, Mom. I don't even know him,' but it's just the idea that one of the people who is here to protect us isn't here anymore." Read More |
LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS
Something amazingly positive in a morning filled with tragedy Americans' respect for police surges Cops pay bill of diners who shunned them Picture captures officer helping woman cross the street 5 keys to retiring from police work with a healthy body
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