Four legislators honored by Iowa sheriffs, deputies

Four Iowa legislators and the state’s Public Safety Commissioner will receive Gold Star awards tomorrow from the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association for “excellence in leadership on public safety and law enforcement issues” in Iowa.

Public Safety Commission Gene Meyer is being recognized by the organization for his dedication to safety and crime fighting both in his current role and previously as the director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

The organization will also recognize Sen. Keith Kreiman (D-Bloomfield), Sen. Pat Ward (R-West Des Moines), Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines) and Rep. Clel Baudler (R-Greenfield) for their demonstrated dedication “to supporting the goals and ideals of the ISSDA’s mission: To Serve and Protect the People of Iowa.”

Three of the four legislators are being honored in particular for their work in revamping the state’s sex offender law through SF 340. The somewhat controversial bill, which was widely supported by state law enforcement and county attorneys, ended residency restrictions for all but the most dangerous sex offenders in Iowa and instead created exclusionary zones near schools, day care centers and other facilities that attract children. The bill also organized all current sex crimes into three distinct tiers, based on the national Adam Walsh Act. Although the bill passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate, it met with resistance from House Republicans who argued that the changes were not strict enough. Others opposed the bill because it resulted in the reclassification of some sexual offenders who were previously considered low to reoffend and, due to the minor status of their victims, placed them in a tier with much higher scrutiny than what they prior to the law change.

Kreiman floor managed the bill for the Iowa Senate while Baudler, a retired State Trooper, managed it in the Iowa House. Both are being honored for their “personal involvement for pushing for tougher laws against sexual predators.” Ward, who supported the bill, is cited for her “passion and leadership.” She is also recognized for her service on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

McCarthy and Baudler are also being thanked for their work for anti-meth lab legislation. In addition, the organization wants to recognize McCarthy for his work in the Attorney General’s Office and the Polk County Attorney’s Office.

The recipients for the awards are selected by the sheriffs and deputies that form the organization’s legislative committee and board of directors. No more than two members each of the Iowa House and Senate are eligible to receive the award each year, and the group awards no more than five individuals annually.

“Protecting Iowa citizens and keeping peace in our communities is one of the primary roles of government,” said Louisa County Sheriff Curt Braby, who serves as president of the ISSDA. “While we are fortunate in Iowa to have overwhelming support of public safety initiatives among our legislative delegation and state leaders, the recipients of the Gold Star award have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond to respond to serious public safety and law enforcement challenges. This is a special honor that is not given lightly; it is an honor these individuals have earned through their public service.”

Those honored will receive a plaque that resembles the ISSDA golden star emblem, which is the badge worn by Iowa sheriffs and deputies. The awards will be presented at the annual winter school banquet Dec. 8 in Des Moines.