North DSM News

The city of Johnston recently celebrated some promotions within the city's police department.

During the Dec. 19 city council meeting, Johnston police chief Dennis McDaniel recognized some officers within the department that were being promoted. 

"I think I can speak for the entire council when I say that one of the most rewarding things that we get to do serving on the Johnston City Council is to participate in the promotions of our police officers, as well as celebrate the successes of some of the members of the team. We couldn't be more proud of the police officers that we have serving us in this community," Chief McDaniel said at the meeting. "I think we have the absolute best police department anywhere, anywhere in the country or anywhere else in the world. The council hears me say this this all the time, but public service is the most important service that we provide to the residents of Johnston. If our residents don't feel safe, nothing else matters. So all of you do a wonderful job making us feel safe and we appreciate everything that you do every day when you're on the job. We know that you put your life on the line for us every day and we really do appreciate it."

Officer Nathan Johnston was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Johnston joined the department in 2018 after leaving the Polk county sheriff’s department. He became a patrol officer and has since been a field training officer, training five of the current officers. He will now serve as head sergeant of the night shift, as well as being a field sobriety training officer and several other key positions.

Chief McDaniel also recognized Sergeant Kenneth Agan who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Agan joined the Johnston department in 2006 and was the first officer selected to become an SRO in 2007, serving every school in the district until 2011 when he was promoted to Sergeant of the night shift. He will oversee the Support Services Division, which includes the Investigations Unit, Community Policing Unit, Property and Evidence Section and all crime scene investigators.

Chief McDaniel also recognized 

Travis Ouverson was recognized for filling in as interim police chief of the department for the year. Ouverson was brought in for both consulting services and also interim chief. Chief McDaniel thanked Ouverson for everything he did for the department over the last year and how much he set them up for success in the future.