Dubuque Police highlight awards, wellness at fourth annual recognition event

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The City Council on Monday received a presentation on the Dubuque Police Department’s awards and recognition program and praised the department’s outreach and focus on wellness.

Lieutenant Bruce Deutsch, representing the department, described the fourth annual awards event and the awards program, which began in 2010 and aims to recognize current and former personnel for service and extraordinary actions. Deutsch said the program has two award classes; Class 1 includes the Legion of Honor, Gallantry Star and Wounded in Combat awards. He said the committee includes representatives from each rank and can include a citizen member, and that nominations may come from any officer.

Deutsch reviewed 2024 highlights: several Certificates of Merit and police accommodations for major investigations, a life-saving award for Officer Riley Leitzen (credited with applying a tourniquet that hospital staff said saved a life), and promotion and anniversary recognitions. He described the awards night as a formal event with honor guard, national anthem by a local student, recognition of retirees and presentations by Chief Jensen and City Manager Mike Van Milligen. "Our goal of this program is to recognize past and present ... police department personnel," Deutsch said.

Council members thanked department leaders, noted the event’s community feel and highlighted volunteers and partners — including a local veterinarian who offers pro bono care for K-9s and was recognized by the department. The council voted unanimously to receive and file the presentation (motion passed 7-0).

Why it matters: The program formalizes recognition of significant police actions, emphasizes officer wellness in presentations and publicly acknowledges community partnerships that support police operations and K-9 care.

No formal action beyond receiving the presentation was taken.