By Amanda Huisman
Communications Specialist, City of Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls Public Safety has announced its 2025 service awards, recognizing team members who displayed exceptional achievement within the department over the past year. A ceremony was held at the Public Safety Center, located at 4600 South Main Street, on April 2, 2026, to commemorate the event.
Awards included Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and the Scott Sterrett Reserve Police Officer of the Year. A special Citizen Award was also presented to Erin Bolin and Mark Ewing for outstanding courage and action in the face of an emergency.
Public Safety Director Craig Berte, Fire Chief John Zolondek, Police Chief Mark Howard, and City Finance and Business Operations Director/Interim City Administrator Jennifer Rodenbeck were all in attendance, with Mayor Danny Laudick providing closing remarks during the event.
Cedar Falls Public Safety 2025 Award Recipients
*Excerpts taken from nomination letters, submitted by department supervisors
Police Officer of the Year: Thomas Baltes
“Officer Baltes was assigned to 3rd shift patrol in 2025 and became a mentor to others on shift. Officer Baltes’s supervisors noted his willingness to train new officers and be a team player. Officer Baltes is a valued member of the Honor Guard, Firearms program, SWAT team, Drone Pilot, Bike Patrol, and Field Training Officer Program. He is currently assigned to the Investigative Unit.”
Firefighter of the Year: Chris Copp
“Firefighter Copp has a strong work ethic and has been involved in several committees for new equipment. He has been instrumental in the day-to-day operations for fire inspections and strives to ensure inspections are completed. He consistently demonstrates innovative thinking and a willingness to go above and beyond to improve department operations.”
RJ Voss Police Supervisor of the Year: Kari Rea
“Acting Captain Rea was assigned to 2nd shift patrol in 2025. She shares innovative ideas to improve shift and operations. Acting Captain Rea supervises the Field Training Officer program and is a Crisis Intervention Instructor. She strives to ensure a high-level training program for officers. Acting Captain Rea, as a supervisor and mentor, takes interest in improving employees’ performance and helping others to achieve their goals. She goes above and beyond to ensure officers are successful.”
Fire Officer of the Year: Austin Lechtenberg
“Lieutenant Lechtenberg displays great leadership skills, a calm demeanor, and is respected by his peers. In 2025, his crew responded to an incident involving a fisherman who had fallen through the ice. His quick actions and skills made the rescue successful. Lieutenant Lechtenberg is a SWAT Team Leader, Swift Water Rescue Instructor, and a Less Lethal Instructor. He always displays a high level of professionalism and dedication to the City of Cedar Falls.”
Scott Sterrett Reserve Officer of the Year: Dan Jaeger
“Reserve Officer Jaeger has served our reserve unit for the past 16 years. Dan shows a strong desire to help the department when needed. Dan has been very helpful to supervisors with coordinating different activities going on around the city. Reserve Officer Jaeger is always willing to change his schedule to help. He would often volunteer to assist with events like YMCA Triathlon, UNI Homecoming, Sturgis, Ragbrai, etc., as well as Community Engagement events. Dan is also one of the IT Specialists for the City of Cedar Falls. We thank him for his work in the reserve unit and the City.”
Life Saving Award: John Kramer
“On October 19, 2025, Officer Kramer responded to a cardiac arrest call. Upon arrival, Officer Kramer took over CPR and helped regain a pulse for the victim. Officer Kramer’s experience on the job and training as an EMT allowed him to make a quick assessment. His actions contributed to the link of survival.”
Citizen Award: Erin Bolin and Mark Ewing
“On May 31, 2025, Black Hawk County Communications received a 911 call reporting a 3-year-old child had drowned in a pool. Upon the arrival of Public Safety personnel, the child was conscious and breathing. Public Safety learned that Erin Bolin had witnessed what was going on and took over CPR from another patron. After about 40 seconds, the child started to breathe again. Erin’s quick thinking, heroic efforts, and actions contributed to the successful outcome of this incident.”
“On October 4, 2025, Public Safety personnel were dispatched to a suicidal subject near the Cedar River. While officers were searching for the subject, Mark Ewing located a male who had self-inflicted injuries and attempted to go into the Cedar River to drown himself. Mark grabbed the male and restrained him, all while calling 911. Mark’s swift and heroic actions contributed to the successful outcome of this incident.”
Awards of Excellence
Lieutenant Jon Gerzema; Acting Lieutenant Adam Hancock; Officer Liesel Reimers; Firefighter Kye Richter; Officer Carson Jensen; Officer Baylee Hinders; Firefighter Tryston Adelmund; Officer Preston Russell; Public Safety Records Clerk Alexis Eick