MUSCATINE, Iowa – A third member of the Muscatine Police Department whose leadership and compassion have significantly strengthened public safety in Muscatine was recognized Tuesday (Dec. 16) with the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) Medal of Merit during the Muscatine City Council meeting.
Police Chief Anthony Kies received the honor, joining Assistant Chief Steve Snider and Co-Responder Amy Gold as Medal of Merit recipients. Snider and Gold were recognized during the December 2 City Council meeting. Kies presented the awards to Snider and Gold at the Dec. 2 meeting.
“What Chief Kies did not tell the City Council at that time was that he was also being honored with the award,” Snider said.
Snider explained that the Medal of Merit is not granted by a single individual but is awarded only after a nomination is reviewed by a committee of peers and receives a unanimous vote.
“This is truly an award given by one’s peers,” Snider said.
According to Snider, Kies was nominated for his career-long accomplishments and his tireless efforts to strengthen the Muscatine Police Department as a whole. Kies joined MPD in 2005 and has overseen several key initiatives, including the Evidence Technician Program and the Tactical Response Team.
Kies led the formation of the area’s first multi-jurisdictional tactical response team by combining the city and county units into a single team. Under his leadership, new equipment and technology were added to enhance training, skill development and response capabilities.
“I brought him a crazy idea I had of escorting paramedics into a hot scene to immediately treat the wounded,” Snider said. “That conversation led to the development of the Rescue Task Force philosophy, which has been adopted by both the police and fire departments.”
Snider added that Kies was instrumental in developing the training necessary to advance that philosophy. Kies also helped expand self-defense classes and run-hide-fight training opportunities to the community.
“Most importantly, since taking over as chief, he has emphasized the importance of family, self-care, and mental wellness, while increasing access for people to take time off when they need it to be with their families,” Snider said. “That focus has rolled into a very happy department and a department that has seen a big reduction in turnover and a much higher retention than in the past.”
Assistant Chief Steve Snider and Co-Responder Amy Gold were recognized December 2 for their exceptional service and leadership within the Muscatine Police Department. Snider was honored for his longstanding commitment to innovation, training, and officer safety, while Gold was recognized for her compassionate work through the co-responder program, strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and mental health services and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.