Today we remember fallen police officers and sheriff’s deputies across the state of Iowa.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety website, the Jefferson Police Department had one officer who died in the line of duty in 1902 and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office lost a deputy in 1911.

Sheriff Steve Haupert says the number one goal is to be safe while on the job.

“We remain safe and we go home to our families at night.  When you’re in a situation where we need to wait for reinforcements to get there to help you with a situation, there’s no shame in doing that.”

Over the years, technology and training has changed to better protect law enforcement officers and deputies.  Police Chief Dave Morlan says cadets learn offensive tactics and firearm safety at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston to give officers better training on keeping them and the public safe.  He comments that every officer is required to take 12 hours of training every year or 36 hours every three years to stay up-to-date on new training tactics.

So today, remember all Iowa law enforcement men and women who were killed in the line of duty that put their lives on the line to protect the public from harm.