Iowa City Police Department Presents Annual Awards, Including "Officer of the Year"

City Media Release

RICHARD W. "DICK" LEE AWARD

Iowa City Police Officer Al Mebus is the 2012 recipient of the Richard W. "Dick" Lee Award. Police Chief Sam Hargadine, in the presence of members of the Lee family, presented the award to Officer Mebus during an informal ceremony at City Hall on January 14, 2013.

The Richard W. "Dick" Lee Award was established in 1999 by several retired Iowa City police officers to honor the life work of Captain Dick Lee. Captain Lee served as an Iowa City police officer from July 1, 1950, until his retirement July 16, 1982. The award and its recipient are meant to reflect qualities embodied by Captain Lee. Criteria include professionalism, compassion for citizens and other officers, unique and effective ways of accomplishing objectives, and a demonstration of a specific action or program exemplifying these criteria. 

Officer Mebus has been an Iowa City Police Officer since January 29, 1990. He has an outstanding work ethic and is willing to go above and beyond the standard to assist the citizens of Iowa City and his coworkers. Officer Mebus is currently assigned to the Patrol Division working the Day Watch. He also serves the department as a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, a Technical Accident Investigator and Patrol Rifle Operator.

OFFICER of the YEAR 

The Officer of the Year is the officer who most significantly projects work and behavioral ethics that mirror the oath of honor and exemplify a positive image of the Police Department and community as chosen by the command staff. The criteria for selection include professionalism, sustained work ethic, personal conduct, ethic, demonstrated leadership, vision, communication, and compassion.

The 2012 Officer of the Year award was presented to Officer Alex Stricker by Chief Sam Hargadine on January 14, 2013. Officer Stricker joined the Iowa City Police Department on August, 6, 2009. His hard work and dedication to duty is appreciated by the public, his co-workers and his supervisors. Currently assigned to the Patrol Division on the Late Night Watch, Officer Stricker is also a member of the Special Response Team, a Patrol Rifle Operator and a Crime Scene Technician.