Iowa State Fire Marshal

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Pictured here is none other than John W. Strohm, who served as Iowa's State Fire Marshal not once, but TWICE — from 1927 to 1935, and again from 1939 to 1949! 🚒

Born in Clinton County on July 16, 1887, John started his impressive political career back in 1914 as a county recorder and later as a county auditor. This photo captures him in his element, hard at work at his desk. 📸✍

A true community man, John was also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and several other fraternal organizations. He married his love, Bertha Pewe, in 1910 and was a dedicated member of the Community Congregational Church.

Here's to remembering a legacy of public service and dedication. Cheers to you, Fire Marshal Strohm!

🎆 Happy , Iowa! 🎆

Whether you're watching fireworks, hosting a barbecue, or enjoying time with loved ones, our dedicated officers, agents and DPS employees are committed to keeping you safe.

Celebrate responsibly, and remember to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that make our freedom possible.

To observe Independence Day, we will be out of office tomorrow. Remember to celebrate safely!

Dawn played a vital role in the Fire Training Bureau for numerous years. Let’s join together in congratulating her on retirement!

Help us in celebrating the retirement of Dawn Beisner, who devoted 27 years of service to the State of Iowa! Dawn's creativity significantly influenced various divisions within the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to Dawn by offering a heartfelt THANK YOU for her numerous contributions over the years!

As we soak up the sun on this , let's not forget fire safety. Longer days mean more BBQs and bonfires—make sure to follow fire safety guidelines and keep it fun and safe! 🔥

On June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Iowa SFM and the Iowa Department of Public Safety honor and recognize the anniversary of this important day in American history.

Happy Father's Day!

Today, we honor and celebrate all the incredible fathers and father figures who serve in Iowa DPS. Your dedication and bravery not only keep our communities safe but also set a powerful example of strength, commitment, and compassion for your families and all Iowans.

Your sacrifice and service are deeply appreciated. We wish you a day filled with love, joy, and special moments with your loved ones.

Happy Father's Day! 🚔👨‍👧‍👦🚨



Iowa State Patrol | Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation | Iowa State Fire Marshal

*** UPDATE *** The Amber Alert for Ophelia Anne Barton has been cancelled as she has been found safe. Thank you for your help in locating her.

The Iowa City Police Department needs your help to find an endangered child.

Ophelia Anne Barton is 15-year-old. She is 5 feet tall and weighs around 80 pounds. She has brown hair that reaches her shoulders and hazel eyes. When last seen, she was wearing a Disney short-sleeve shirt and red shorts.

Ophelia was taken by 42-year-old Lindsey Anne White. White is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 138 pounds. She has long auburn hair and green eyes.

They may be traveling together in a Blue 2014 Jeep Compass Sport with Iowa license plate LIU 044.

If you have any information, please contact the Iowa City Police Department at (319) 356-5276. For media inquiries, call (319) 206-5043.

As the summer months roll around each year, the use of fireworks skyrockets - an American tradition to celebrate holidays, parties and more. 🎆 But this tradition can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken!

Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries.

This , prevent your celebrations from turning into tragedies by following firework safety measures.

Learn more: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

serves as a timely reminder of the importance of heat safety and preparedness as summer temperatures approach. It's especially important in preventing heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Below are a few tips to help us all stay cool, hydrated, and SAFE this summer!

Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website to view their heat tracker and get more information on how to identify and prevent heat-related illness: https://www.hhs.gov/climate-change-health-equity-environmental-justice/climate-change-health-equity/climate-health-outlook/extreme-heat/index.html

Today, we pause to honor and remember those in our U.S. military who sacrificed everything for our freedom. Their memories live on in all who loved them.

Our offices will be CLOSED TODAY in observance of Memorial Day.

Jess Dunn with our Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau (FSTB) was highlighted on WHO 13 News this week! The FSTB hosted an Arson Investigation School at Camp Dodge, allowing firefighters from across the state to receive hands-on training in a controlled environment using one of its state-of-the-art trailers.

Check it out: https://who13.com/video/fire-service-training-bureau-teaches-life-saving-skills-to-firefighters-across-the-state/9700187/

See what other training the FSTB offers: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-state-fire-marshal-division/fstb -trailers-and-simulators

Fire Service Training Bureau Teaches Life Saving Skills to Firefighters Across the State Today in Iowa's Griffin Wright reports.

Today, on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect their communities. Their courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude and support to the families and colleagues they've left behind, who continue to uphold their legacy of service and commitment.

May we always remember the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and peace. 🕊

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as . It is a time to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

We hope you join us this week, May 12-18, in honoring, remembering and supporting our dedicated law enforcement officers, past and present.

The photo features the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial, which was recently outfitted with new lighting to further illuminate the valor of fallen officers from dusk until dawn each night.

Happy Mother’s Day!

On this special day, the Iowa Department of Public Safety extends our warmest wishes to every mother whose unwavering love and resilience echo within the halls of our organization and beyond.

We pay tribute not just to the courageous mothers serving within our ranks but also to those who stand as the unsung heroes behind the badge. The spouses who support our members, providing a pillar of strength and understanding, and the women who raised the dedicated individuals committed to serving and protecting our communities. Your sacrifices and support do not go unnoticed.

Your roles may be varied, but each of you contribute immensely to the fabric of our Department and the safety of our state. Happy Mother’s Day to you all; your courage and compassion inspire us every day!

Our two week fire investigation school kicked off this week. 25 students are learning techniques and how to use the scientific method in figuring out how a fire started.

Reminder: This year's Iowa Peace Officer Memorial ceremony will take place this Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m.

Find more details here: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-05-03/two-fallen-law-enforcement-officers-will-be-honored-iowa-peace-officer-memorial-may-10-2024-1000-am

This week, May 5-11, is . The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System reports an estimated 16,800 intentionally set fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States.

Arson robs communities of its valuable assets, lives and property. It destroys more than buildings - arson can devastate a community resulting in decline through increased insurance premiums, loss of business revenue and a decrease in property values.

You can call the Arson Hotline to anonymously provide information that may be helpful in the resolution of suspected arson cases: 800.532.1459

You can also learn more about our Arson & Explosives Bureau here: https://dps.iowa.gov/.../iowa.../arson-explosives-bureau

Thank you to all school bus drivers!

Today, we shine a spotlight on the heroes behind the wheel – our dedicated school bus drivers. 🚌

Every day, these drivers ensure the safe passage of our children to and from school, braving early mornings and navigating through challenging weather conditions, all while keeping a vigilant eye on the safety and well-being of every passenger on board.

To all Iowa school bus drivers: thank you for carrying our most precious cargo - our children. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Happy ! ✨

For more information on safety programs or to express your gratitude to a school bus driver today, reach out to your local Iowa State Patrol Public Resource Officer: https://dps.iowa.gov/public-resource-officer-unit

With National Prescription Drug coming up this Saturday, April 27, Susie Sher with our Office of Drug Control Policy is encouraging Iowans to "include their medicine cabinets in their spring-cleaning routine."

Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter drugs for this special one-day event held each spring and fall. The fall collection, held in October, netted over 5,550 pounds of old medicine from Iowans. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 101 tons of unused medications at these events.

Find a collection site near you: https://odcp.iowa.gov/programs/prescription-drug-take-backs

Learn more: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-04-22/national-drug-take-back-day

State Fire Marshal Dan Wood and other SFM representatives participated in today's event, where we had the opportunity to show Iowa students some of the advanced technology - like our explosives robot - that we use to respond to emergencies

Learn more: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-04-17/iowa-dps-sponsors-first-responder-zone-build-my-future-career-fair

Iowa Department of Public Safety | Build My Future

Headquarters - Des Moines

From the Colonel's Desk: "The public we serve and law enforcement officials across the country rely on Public Safety Telecommunicators each and every day. During National Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week, the Iowa State Patrol would like to extend our gratitude to all Local, County and Iowa Department of Public Safety Communications Specialists across the state of Iowa. We are grateful for the work you do to support our public safety efforts. Thank you for your dedication, composure and the reassuring actions you take during the most challenging of times. We are honored to work with you and appreciate your commitment to our public safety mission.”

- Colonel Nathan Fulk

Our new website has launched! Be sure to give us a visit: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/state-fire-marshal-division

See the press release: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-04-16/iowa-dps-unveils-new-website

State Fire Marshal Division The mission of the Iowa State Fire Marshal is to reduce deaths, injuries, and property loss through investigation, education, and firefighter training.

The missing person advisory issued for Rhiannon "Rainy" Walter on behalf of the Benton County Sheriff's Office has been canceled. She has been safely located. Law enforcement thanks the public for their assistance.

https://dps.iowa.gov/missing-person-advisory-canceled-benton-county-sheriffs-office

❗️MISSING PERSON ADVISORY❗️

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate 11-year-old Rhiannon "Rainy" Walter. She was last seen at 6:30 p.m. last night in Keystone, Iowa, wearing a tank top, black shorts, green/white checked Vans shoes, and a black backpack with hearts and moons.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Department at 319-472-2337, Option 1.

https://dps.iowa.gov/missing-person-advisory-benton-county-sheriffs-office

to all who celebrate. We wish you a safe, restful day. ✨️

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!