Iowa City Police Department celebrates new hires, promotion, and annual awards
The Iowa City Police Department welcomed two new officers, celebrated a promotion, and presented annual awards during a ceremony Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Emma Harvat Hall.
New Hires
(L-R) Officer Henry Ziebol, Officer Nicolas Thompson, and Chief Dustin Liston
Officer Henry Ziebol, 26, is from Ames. Officer Ziebol is a graduate of Gilbert High School and was previously employed with the Anamosa State Penitentiary and Woodward Academy juvenile home. Officer Ziebol will attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy beginning May 5, 2025.
Officer Nicolas Thompson, 21, is from State Center. Officer Thompson earned his associates degree in Police Science at Hawkeye Community College. Officer Thompson will attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy beginning May 5, 2025.
Promotion
(L-R) Sgt. Dan Boesen and Chief Dustin Liston
Detective Dan Boesen was promoted to sergeant on Nov. 18, 2024, and is currently assigned to late night watch. Sgt. Boesen was hired as a station master In April 2017 and hired as a police officer in April 2018. During his career with ICPD, Sgt. Boesen has served as a crime scene technician, general crimes detective, and domestic violence detective.
Annual Awards
(L-R) Officer Alirio Arcenas and Chief Dustin Liston
Officer of the Year - Alirio Arcenas
The Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to the officer who most significantly demonstrates work and behavioral ethics that mirror the Iowa City Police Department’s oath of honor and exemplifies a positive image of the Iowa City Police Department, as well as the community.
Officer Alirio Arcenas was praised as a caring and compassionate officer who strives to develop new officers as a field training officer, assist his coworkers, and provide exceptional service to the public. Officer Arcenas’ nomination notes a calm demeanor and tactical thinking, particularly in crisis situations.
This was evidenced during a July 2024 incident which involved a suicidal subject with a weapon. Officer Arcenas maintained a calm demeanor while attempting to de-escalate the situation, as well as protect members of the public and his fellow officers. While the use of force was required to end the incident, Arcenas’ actions were deemed necessary to stop the threat to officers and residents.
“I think it is exceptional that an officer with 16 years of service continues to work as hard as Officer Arcenas does,” his nomination reads.
(L-R) Detective Jenny Clarahan and Chief Dustin Liston
Investigator of the Year - Jenny Clarahan
The Investigator of the Year Award is presented annually to the investigator who most significantly demonstrates work and behavioral ethics that mirror the oath of honor, core values, and exemplify a positive image of the Iowa City Police Department and community. The Investigator of the Year award recipient is nominated by supervisors and chosen by Command Staff.
Det. Jenny Clarahan was praised for her “relentless pursuit of justice and endless service to the survivors of sexual assault.” One recent case in particular highlights Clarahan’s professionalism, leadership, dedication, and victim-centered approach.
In September 2022, Iowa City Police responded to a burglary and sexual assault in the 600 Block of South Lucas Street in which the victim was sexually assaulted at knifepoint. Det. Clarahan was assigned the case. In spring 2023, Clarahan learned of similar cases in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Those cases were perpetrated by the same subject, who had not yet been identified.
Det. Clarahan learned of a fourth case in Linn County and organized a meeting between the various jurisdictions, as well as representatives from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and DCI Crime Lab. There, the entities shared information which led to the identification of Asante Walker-Garcia Adams as the suspect in the sexual assault cases. A search warrant was obtained and Walker-Garcia Adams’ DNA matched the DNA found on the Iowa City assault victim.
Det. Clarahan’s hard work and collaboration led to the arrest and prosecution of Walker-Garcia Adams for the burglary and sexual assault of four women in Eastern Iowa.
The Richard “Dick” Lee Award was established in 1999 by several retired ICPD officers to honor the life work of Captain Dick Lee, who served as an Iowa City Police Officer for 32 years. The recipient is nominated by their colleagues, who also vote on the recognition.
The annual award is presented to an officer in recognition of outstanding sustained efforts over the last year which positively impacted the community through a program or activity.
Two officers were recognized for their efforts in 2024: Officer Kristie Davis and Officer Tyler LaKose.
In 2024, Officer Davis became the department’s first Crisis Response Officer, working alongside mental health liaisons to provide a vital response to those in crisis.
“Officer Davis has embraced this position and her work embodies the true meaning of the Dick Lee Award as she works to help find solutions for our most vulnerable community members outside of the criminal justice system,” her nomination reads.
Richard "Dick" Lee Award - Tyler Lakose
Officer Tyler LaKose’s peers have noted the invaluable presence he brings to the evening watch as the shift’s most-senior officer, where he serves as a Crime Scene Technician, Field Training Officer, and Technical Collision Investigator. LaKose was praised for his positive energy and willingness to go the extra mile for his colleagues, as well as the public.
“Officer LaKose is an excellent police officer, but he is perhaps even better as a teammate, colleague, and friend,” his nomination reads.
(L-R) Community Outreach Assistant Tre Hall and Chief Dustin Liston
Civilian Employee of the Year - Tre Hall
The Civilian Employee of the Year Award was created in 2013 by retired Community Service Officer Lynda Ambrose to recognize the efforts and contributions of non-sworn personnel who are critical to maintaining the success and mission of the department on a daily basis.
Community Outreach Assistant Tre Hall has demonstrated an “exceptional work ethic” and ambition to take on new tasks and challenges, according to his nomination. Hall helps strengthen connections in the community through his professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude. In addition to serving as Community Outreach Assistant, Hall serves as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Chris S. Whitmore Animal Services Employee of the Year
The Chris S. Whitmore Animal Services Employee of the Year Award recognizes the Animal Services employee who best demonstrates the qualities of former Animal Services Coordinator Chris Whitmore, including a commitment to providing quality care to both the animals and people of the community.
Animal Services Officer Amiah DeWolf was recognized by her colleagues for her professionalism, communication skills, and reliability. Officer DeWolf was noted for her willingness to assist her coworkers in her free time, helping with the wellbeing of animals, and contributing to the upkeep of the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.
