The Atlantic Kiwanis, Saturday afternoon, paid tribute to those in Law Enforcement during an event in the Atlantic City Park, near the Avenue of Flags. Kiwanis member Randy Maas said they were there to present members of the Atlantic Police and Iowa State Patrol to Officers and a Trooper who attended. A representative of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office was unable to attend.

(Left to right) Kiwanis members Dave Hancock, Randy Maas, Steve Green, ISP Trooper Kyle Mass, A-PD Sgts. Pieken and Walton. (Ric Hanson/photo)

Steve Green, whose father was with the Iowa Highway Patrol (later called the Iowa State Patrol), said “We, the Kiwanis of Atlantic, want to thank you for your service, and your sacrifice to keep us safe and allow us to leave our homes and talk a walk anytime we want. That’s so important for us here in Atlantic, Cass County and Southwest Iowa. It’s all due to what you guys do.”

He said also “We would like to thank your families for the long hours you work, and also for the interruption of family life, when things happen.” Green said he grew up with a father who was a State Trooper. He said further, “On this Armed Forces Day, we want to honor the veterans and anybody who has ever protected us.” The Kiwanis’ Dave Hancock presented Trooper Kyle Mass with a “Thin Blue Line” flag.

Kiwanis’ Dave Hancock presents the Thin Blue Line flag to Trooper Mass.

The flag, which has a blue line over a black background symbolizes the line of law enforcement [the blue line] against those who would do us harm [the bad guys of society]. Last year the Kiwanis gave a flag to the Atlantic Police Department.

Steve Green also presented Trooper Mass and Atlantic Police Officers with Certificates of Appreciation, for the Officers and Reserves. Police Sergeants Dustin Pieken Spencer Walton were on-hand to receive the certificates.