Washington PD awarded for leadership in victim services

WASHINGTON — The Washington Police Department is the recipient of the Iowa Police Chiefs Association (IPCA) 2024 Leadership in Victim Services Award. The award was accepted by Chief of Police Jim Lester, Lieutenant Shamus Altenhofen and Lieutenant Ben Altenhofen during the awards banquet at the 38th Annual IPCA Conference last week.

The IPCA highlighted the department's victim-centered approach and its strong partnership with the community and local organizations, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the community is served not just with professionalism, but with heart. IPCA specifically mentioned the department’s efforts during the holiday season, when the department, Washington Fire/EMS and community members came together to support children who were in a crisis, ensuring they had essential items, food, and holiday gifts.

Chief Lester expressed gratitude and humility at receiving the award.

“This award doesn’t belong to the department alone — it is truly a reflection of the entire Washington community. Within minutes of posting the media release about the incident, our residents responded asking how they could help ensure the children involved had a holiday season to remember — so much so, that we were able to provide gifts and support to another local project assisting additional families in need during the holiday season. It’s not just a recognition of what our department does — it’s a recognition of what happens when our community steps up to help kids. From our officers and their families and the Fire/EMS providers to our local partners and community organizations, this award belongs to everyone who makes protecting and helping children a priority.”