Decorah Police Department Welcomes Newest Officer, Cale Donlon

Shine a light on issues that matter—support local news with your gift today. DECORAH — The Decorah Police Department welcomed its newest officer Monday night as Cale Donlon was officially sworn in during a city council meeting. Donlon, who recently accepted the position, comes from a family dedicated to public service, with his father having served as a firefighter. During the ceremony, Assistant Police Chief Scott Herrmann emphasized the significance of the badge Donlon was about to receive. "We're going to pin a badge on you here shortly, and I don't want you to take that lightly," Herrmann said. "This is a very serious career, a very serious job, but it's also an honor. It's an honor to serve these folks here in Decorah." Following Herrmann's remarks, Donlon stood before the council and community members to recite his oath, pledging to uphold the U.S. Constitution, the Iowa Constitution, and fulfill his duties as a Decorah police officer impartially and to the best of his ability. A longstanding tradition of the department, the badge pinning was performed by a member of Donlon's family, in this case his father, further cementing his commitment to the force. Assistant Chief Herrmann also offered Donlon two key pieces of advice as he embarks on his law enforcement career. First, he urged Donlon to remain a lifelong learner. "You're going to be heading to the police academy, and they're going to be teaching you all about being a police officer. But my advice is never stop learning. Nobody knows everything." The second piece of advice was simple but essential: "Be nice," Herrmann said. "I didn't say don't write tickets. I didn't say don't take people to jail. But I said 'be nice.'" The ceremony concluded with applause from those in attendance, welcoming Donlon to the department. Donlon will soon attend the police academy for formal training before returning to serve under the guidance of his fellow officers. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.