Decorah native named Officer of the Year in Iowa City

The Iowa City Police Department has named Decorah native Jake Belay its "Officer of the Year."

The 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.

Belay currently works as a patrol officer on the evening watch, serves as a Field Training Officer, and is a member of the Iowa City Metro Special Response Team.  In 2018, he received the "Jim Meyerdirk Award for Academic Excellence," for finishing as the top academic performer at Drug Recognition Expert certification school.