The Iowa State Patrol has always been an historic and tradition-rich organization. We take great pride in, not only who we are, but where we began. It is critical that we never forget the sacrifices, struggles, dedication and commitment of those who have worn this uniform prior to us ever receiving the high honor. The stories of that treasured past are as vast as the 99 counties we serve and the millions of Iowans and visitors we’ve served along the way. In this hectic-paced world we all live in, it is wise to occasionally pause and reflect back and appreciate the history and contributions that got us to this place.

Since our inception in 1935, your Iowa State Patrol has had three names. From 1935 to 1938, we were the Iowa Highway Safety Patrol. We began with 53 Troopers that first July. Secretary of State Ola Babcock Miller had seen the need for a traffic safety unit across Iowa as cars were becoming more prevalent in society. In 1938, we became that which we are often still referred to, the Iowa Highway Patrol. Interestingly enough, you’ll still find us under this name in many telephone listings. Then, in 1975, the organization name was changed to the Iowa State Patrol. Modern policing in the day was changing in the 1970s. Troopers were finding their job duties expanding past traffic enforcement. Vehicle theft, fixed wing aircraft, criminal investigations, safety education and assisting other law enforcement agencies were all in the mix. Command staff felt that “Iowa State Patrol” was more all-encompassing to our job duties and responsibilities.

The presence of the Iowa Highway Safety Patrol began in Fort Dodge in 1937. The office was located in an abandoned filling station in Fort Dodge. The building no longer exists but was located in downtown Fort Dodge. The office was moved from that location to offices in the basement of the Humboldt County Courthouse in Dakota City. This remained the case until 1958, when the office was moved to the basement of the old 4-H Building in Fort Dodge. This was located on the west side of Fort Dodge on what would be the northwest part of Iowa Central today. This was a temporary location for our operations as plans were in place to construct a brand new facility in Fort Dodge. In 1959, ground was broken on the Iowa Highway Patrol Office at the corner of Business Highway 20 and Tower Drive. This was at the entrance to where Iowa Central Community College now is found. The Community College was founded in 1966, some seven years after the new office began construction. In 1961, this new office was opened for operations. This location provided convenience for the public to conduct their business with the Highway Patrol while allowing officers easy access to major highway systems in the area. Remember, four-lane Highway 20 and four-lane U.S. Highway 169 were simply far off visions at this point in time.

This trip through history takes us to our current location at the southeast junction of Highway 20 and County Road P59 near Coalville. The “old” office had become antiquated and difficult for operations. It was built in a computerless era. At that time, we were growing in personnel. We would have 27 personnel assigned to District No. 7 in this small facility. The office had a small footprint. When originally constructed, they first planned on a basement in the facility but that became unfeasible, so the building was completed without a basement. Essentially, what you saw is what you got. With a lieutenant’s office, secretary work station, three sergeant offices and a very small safety education office, it was a challenging work environment. Meetings were held at area hotels because there was no place to gather everyone at the office. Col. Earl Usher, chief of the Iowa State Patrol, was aware of our need for a new facility. He was also aware that in the mid-1990s, plans were in place to turn Highway 20 into a four-lane express way across Iowa from Sioux City to Dubuque. As you know, the plans are now in place to complete that project in 2018 – nearly 25 years after initially planned. Command staff envisioned being better able to serve the motoring public’s needs, if located along that corridor. While flying back to Des Moines from a visit to Fort Dodge in a small Patrol aircraft, Usher spotted a parcel of land at our current location. It wasn’t for sale, but it hit him as the ideal location for the Iowa State Patrol – District No. 7 Headquarters. A purchase of 10 acres of land was made with the land owner and this vision was becoming a reality. Eight acres remains hayfield on either side of the facility. The other 2 acres are improved property and our District No. 7 office. On Feb. 1, the new facility was dedicated and a new era began for our operations. This facility was large enough to house not only the Iowa State Patrol, but also the Division of Criminal Investigation, Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the State Fire Marshal Office. Now, in a flash, this brand new facility celebrates her 20th birthday. We remain proud of this facility and the manner in which it has been maintained.

But, like with most things I suspect, the success of the Iowa State Patrol – District No. 7 operations has never been about the building. It is about the men and women who’ve proudly donned that uniform with the bright yellow patch. Who have placed a campaign hat squarely on their head and responded to this area’s and the state’s biggest tragedies. Past and present, my greatest professional honor has been to stand side-by-side with them. To get to hear their stories. To get to be a tiny part of this organization’s amazing and significant history. In 1941, a young member of that initial group of officers, Buck Cole, proposed that the Iowa Highway Patrol needed a motto. He suggested something quite simple: Courtesy – Service – Protection. Today, 75 years after that young trooper’s idea, those three simple words remain our steadfast motto. It is as true today as it was all those many years ago. We are here to serve you. We do so with humility and a deep commitment to getting you and your loved ones safely to their destinations. On behalf of the entire Iowa State Patrol, safe travels.

Lt. Kelly Hindman is the commander of District No. 7 of the Iowa State Patrol.