Always one of the very most gratifying programs of the Rotary year, we all enjoyed the presentation of the Outstanding Police Officer and Firefighter awards for 2018. President Jamie Boersma was presiding, called on Janet Phipps Burkhead for the invocation and then Chris Andersen, who introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. The Honor Guard from the Fire Department led the Pledge. President Jamie presented the 2017-2018 Roger T. Stetson Rotarian of the Year award to Judy McCoy Davis for her complete overhaul of our Rotary governance documents. The Cecil C. Bolsinger Lifetime Service Award was presented to Past President Dave Kenworthy -- a 26-year member of our club and currently Tri-Chair of the Rotary Club of Des Moines Foundation campaign -- for his passionate support of service above self. Congratulations to both award recipients!On behalf of the Awards Committee, Gloria Gray was called on to oversee the recognition of our honorees and introduce the program. Key to the significance of the awards is that even though Rotary provides the financial support and makes the presentations, it is the police and fire department personnel themselves who decide on the winners.
Each award recipient receives a plaque, rotating community billboard in their honor and $500, which can be designated as a donation to the 501 c (3) charity of their choice. The funds for these contributions come from the generous support of our own Rotary Club of Des Moines Foundation.
Gloria asked Police Chief Dana Wingert to help with presentation of the Police Officer of the Year award. After introducing his staff Chief Wingert described the work of this year’s recipient, Senior Police Officer Michael Moody, a member of the force for nearly 30 years. “He is well-respected and the term family business fits well as several members of the Moody family either are or have been part of our police department family." Officer Moody warmly welcomed the group, made appropriate remarks about his profession and the mutual objectives of Rotary and those in public service, then introduced his family who were in attendance. His charity of choice is “Starts Right Here”, a non-profit organization that supports community relations and conducts mentoring in Des Moines Public Schools using music as the message.Next, Gloria asked Fire Chief John TeKippe to help in honoring the Firefighter of the Year. After introducing his staff Chief TeKippe introduced Stuart Isaacson as the department’s choice for this year’s award. Stuart has been a firefighter, medic and been on the hazardous materials team for over 14 years in Des Moines. He is also the first to receive firefighter of the year awards in both Des Moines and Clive. Firefighter Isaacson made comments about his outlook on public service and his appreciation of Rotary’s support and introduced his family. He told us it was an honor to be a fireman! His charity of choice is the Iowa School for the Deaf Foundation.
It was obvious from the audience response that this year’s award choices were very justified and popular. It was perhaps even more evident that the ranks of our public safety forces are populated by excellent, articulate and committed persons who are honored and proud to protect fellow citizens. Thanks to the entire Rotary Awards Committee for their good work. We in Rotary recognize a real benefit to our families and businesses in being protected by such professional individuals in the Fire and Police ranks and are pleased to make these awards each year!