DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety has announced the graduation of the 46th Basic Academy took place on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Des Moines. The ceremony recognized a graduating class of 18 recruits who previously served as certified officers in law enforcement agencies across Iowa before entering the Academy on January 20, 2022. Lieutenant Matthew Struecker served as Camp Commander.

Conducted at Camp Dodge, the 10-week Academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill and several other courses in law enforcement.

48th DPS Certified Academy Graduating Class

The 48th Certified Academy graduates are assigned the following badge numbers, and will serve Iowans in their respective districts. In southwest Iowa, that includes:

• Lucas Darby #107- District 2
• Austin Little #263 – District 2
• Christopher Raymer #407 – District 13
• Jacob Riley #429 – District 13

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Recruits who received special recognition for their performance include:

•    Lance Dietsch-Stanley Gerling Valedictorian Award: Cameron Theilen
•    Top Gun Award: Jacob Riley
•    Sergeant Jim Smith Meritorious Peer Leadership Award: Jesse Drahos
•    Distinguished Graduate Award: Lucas Darby
•    Earnest Baty, Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Nicholas Popp, Thomas Allen, Cameron Theilen

“We are extremely proud of these graduates and grateful to them for choosing to answer the call with the State of Iowa,” said Stephan K. Bayens, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “At this point in history, I believe it is the most important time to be a law enforcement officer. There’s divisiveness, brokenness, and crime is on the rise. I cannot think of a more significant time for men and women to step up and bridge that gap, and I thank them for it,” Bayens added.

To view photos from the event, click here to visit the 48th Certified Academy Photo Album.