Public Safety Preservation

12/31/2025

Stay safe, stay the course, and have a Happy New Year!

12/31/2025

Let us remember the 95 brave Law Enforcement Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens, neighbors, and friends in their communities.

The loss to the communities they served was profound.

But let us never forget the families they left behind. They were fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who chose a career dedicated to helping those who could not help themselves.

They made the ultimate sacrifice.

Godspeed, my brothers and sisters, rest at ease, we’ll take the watch from here. 🙏🕯️💙

12/31/2025

Public Safety Preservation wishes everybody a safe and happy New Year's! Thank you to all First Responders working the holiday. Please remember that our mental wellness is just as essential as our physical wellness!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas 🎄

From all of us at the Iowa Department of Corrections — happy holidays! Thank you to our staff, partners, and communities for your commitment throughout the year. Wishing you peace, hope, and renewal as we look ahead to a bright new year. ✨

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12/24/2025

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When I’ve been told I needed to deliver a death notification, the weight of it hit me immediately. My chest tightened, my stomach sank, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew I was about to share news that would change someone’s life forever.

When I arrive at the home, I knock on the door and take a step back. Often, I can see the family through a window, moving around their living room. Sometimes they wave or smile, trying to greet me warmly. That moment is incredibly hard because I cannot smile back. I know I am about to bring them the darkest moment of their life.

When they open the door, they usually ask, “What is wrong?” or “What happened?” I begin by confirming their name and that I am at the correct address. Once I know I have the right person, in the right place, I notice something I have seen many times before. They begin taking small steps backward, almost fading away from me. I do not think they even realize they are doing it. I think it is their body trying to create distance from a moment they know, deep down, will change everything.

Then, I deliver the most difficult words anyone could ever hear.

“It is my sad responsibility to tell you that your son has died in a crash.”
“It is my sad responsibility to tell you that your daughter has died in a crash.”
“It is my sad responsibility to tell you that your mother has died in a crash.”
“It is my sad responsibility to tell you that your father has died in a crash.”

In those moments, I often see one of three reactions.

Some collapse. They fall to the floor, crying in a way that cannot be described. I kneel beside them, and often, I cry with them.

Some go silent. They stand frozen, their faces blank as they try to process what I have said. They are lost, unsure of how to take the next step.

Some push me away. I may be told to leave or pushed back as they yell, “No. Do not say that.” But I stay, because no one should face that moment alone.

These moments stay with me. They stay with the families long after the door closes.

This season is meant for togetherness. It should never be marked by tragedy.

As we move through the holidays and toward a new year, please make safe choices. Do not drink and drive. If someone around you is too impaired to drive, step in and help.

Be safe,
Trooper Ben

12/24/2025

12/24/2025

*Disclaimer. I believe this poem was rewritten by a retired officer. The original was written by a Marine. It has been reposted many times previously. This version describes an officer, who lives alone and resting up on Christmas Eve before a Christmas Day on patrol. The man appears to be a veteran officer. The man is obviously proud of his accomplishments, but for whatever reason, is alone and will be spending Christmas Day protecting us.

God Bless each of you, especially our current and retired police officers and first responders. I’m sure we all have pleasant and just plain nightmarish memories of working the holidays. Take care of yourselves…and each other!

Cops Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
Yet he slept all alone.
In a one-bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
With presents to give,
And to see just what man
In this small house did live.

I looked all about,
What a strange site to see.
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.

No stockings by the fire,
Just boots spit shined bright.
Then something else gleamed,
Reflecting the moonlight.

They were medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds.
And a sobering thought
Soon came to my mind.

For this house was different,
Unlike any I’d topped.
This was the home of an officer,
The home of a cop.

I’d heard stories about "them",
And I had to see more.
So I walked down the hall,
And pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping,
Silent and alone.
Curled up on his bed,
In this one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle,
His face weathered tan,
I soon understood
That this was more than a man.

For I realized the families
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these people
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the nation
The children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate
On a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed safety
Each month, and all year
Because of officers like him,
This man lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder
How many were on patrol.
All alone on Christmas Eve
Out in the shivering cold.

I watched him for hours,
So silent and so still,
And I noticed that he shivered,
From the cold nights chill.

So I took off my jacket,
The one made of red.
And I covered this officer
From his toes to his head.

Then I put on His jacket
With the badge of silver and gold,
With the words "Police Officer"
Emblazoned so bold.

Though it barely fit me
I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment
I was an officer inside.

I didn’t want to leave him
So quiet in the night,
This guardian of justice,
So willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over,
And in a voice clean and pure
Said, "Carry on Santa - it’s Christmas,
All here is secure."

One look at my watch
And I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend,
Code four and good night.

Stay safe my friends!

(Author Unknown) ssg allylvesl

12/23/2025

This week is heavy for first responders.

While Christmas music plays and calendars fill with parties, they will walk into moments most people never see.

They’ll respond to crashes on icy roads.
Medical calls that happen right in the middle of family celebrations.
Calls where grief, addiction, violence, or despair collide with a season that’s supposed to feel joyful.

They’ll carry images that don’t match the lights on the tree.
They’ll shoulder stories they won’t share at the dinner table.

And when the shift ends, they’ll come home.
Hang up the uniform.
Kiss their kids.
Sit down to Christmas traditions—
and try to be present while their hearts are still out there.

If you love a first responder, this week matters.
Extra grace.
Extra patience.
Extra prayer.

And to those serving: you are seen.
You are needed.
You are not alone.

Let’s cover them in prayer this week—and look out for one another.