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Johnston honors three police officers with commendation, promotion and recognition
Summary
The council recognized Sergeant Zach Grandin with a meritorious service commendation, promoted John Alexander to corporal with an oath, and introduced Officer Ben Landis following his recent academy graduation and award recognition.
The Johnston City Council held a scheduled public communication to recognize three Johnston Police Department employees for service, promotion and recent accomplishments.
A police department official presented a meritorious service commendation to Sergeant Zach Grandin, citing his work since 2019 as a visible public face of the department, leadership of community initiatives including the Smokin' Heroes charity barbecue, development of the department's citizens academy, involvement with the school resource officer program and coordination of community events and social media. The presenter said Sergeant Grandin’s community-policing work “set a high bar” and that his service “epitomizes the department’s core values of honor, protection, and service.”
Staff presented Officer John Alexander for promotion to the rank of corporal. According to the presentation, Alexander began with the Johnston Police Department in July 2011, rejoined the department on July 1, 2024 after an on-duty injury and since reinstatement has led the night-shift patrol team, served as a trainer and mentor, and held certifications including Taser instructor and field training officer. The city mayor administered the oath of office as part of the promotion process.
The department also introduced Officer Ben Landis, hired in February 2025 and a recent graduate of a basic recruit class at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Landis’s biography presented at the meeting noted prior academic degrees, his interest in community connection and training, and staff thanked those who supported his journey to become an officer.
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight internal promotions and community-facing programs the department said help sustain community engagement and public safety efforts.
Meeting context: The recognitions occurred during the public communications portion of the agenda; they were ceremonial actions and did not require council votes.
