Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman named Law Enforcement Executive of the Year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman was honored by the Iowa Police Chiefs Association as the Law Enforcement Executive of the Year.

The award was presented at the association’s annual conference Thursday night in Coralville.

“This is not an award that’s necessarily given every year because we want it to be special and it’s got to be earned,” said Rob Burdess, president of the association.

“(Chief Jerman) has done some very good work in Cedar Rapids since he’s been there, just keeping the department on the cutting edge of what they need to be doing, with the police community action teams, the police chief’s advisory committee, his role with mental illness and addressing those challenges within the community.”

The criteria for the award include long-term contributions and commitment to Iowa law enforcement, membership in the Iowa Police Chiefs’ Assocation and involvement on the board or committees, sponsorship of grant programs and legislation important to law enforcement and other recognized law enforcement accomplishments, according to Burdess.

Jerman has served as the legislative chair for the chiefs’ association for five years.

“That is one of our busiest committees. That takes a ton of time and resources and commitment,” Burdess said.

In attendance at the ceremony were Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and City Council member Dale Todd.

“(Jerman) is progressive and pragmatic, always willing to listen and make changes in the best interest of the department and community. We are lucky to have someone of his integrity and caliber,” Todd said.

Jerman has been in law enforcement since 1979 and has been the Cedar Rapids police chief since 2012.

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