Two local law enforcement officers received special recognition Thursday night during the annual Jasper County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn. Newton Officer Kyle Lovan was presented the Law Enforcement Professional of the Year Award, while Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rosendaal was given the first Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award. 

Officer Lovan’s work as a School Resource Officer at Berg Middle School and his efforts to start an E-Sports Program in the Newton School District earned him his award. Chief Deputy Rosendaal was honored for his impact on the Sheriff’s Office, the community, and the law enforcement profession. His career began in 1987 with the Capitol Police Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. In 1989, he became an Iowa State Patrol Trooper patrolling roads in Jasper, Poweshiek, Polk, Johnson, and Linn counties. In 2013, he was appointed to his current Jasper County Chief Deputy position. He’s also a Medical Examiner.

The annual Jasper County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony is held to remember the six fallen Jasper County Law Enforcement Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to recognize the officers who currently serve throughout the county.