4 days ago
Davenport Noon Optimists recognize officer with Respect for Law award
The Davenport Noon Optimist Club has recognized Davenport Police Officer Sgt. Jonathon Douglas, according to a news release.
For more than 40 years the Davenport Noon Optimist Club (DNOC) has gathered annually to celebrate a member of the Davenport Police Department in recognition of their dedicated service advancing the Respect for Law objective of Optimist International.
On Friday, May 30, DNOC presented the 'Sergeant Kevin P Marxen Respect for Law' award to Sgt. Jonathon Douglas as its 2025 recipient.
Prior to his service with the Davenport Police Department, Douglas served honorably for six years with the United States Air Force and for nine years with the Plant City, Florida, Police Department.
Douglas' recognition took place Friday at the Davenport RiverCenter. Attendees included Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, Davenport Police Chief Jeffrey Bladel, both of whom offered remarks. In addition, more than 15 past recipients and Davenport Police Department peers of Douglas attended, as well as Davenport Noon Optimist Club members and guests.
In July 1965, a discussion between Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover resulted in the birth of the Optimist Respect for Law program. More than 1,500 Clubs participate each year. Over a quarter of a million law enforcement officers have been honored by thousands of Optimist Clubs around the world through the years.
This program is intended to make the nation's youth and the general public aware of the hard work and personal dedication shown by law enforcement officials, and to encourage support for the exceptionally difficult task of law enforcement. The award is given to an officer who has shown exemplary service to the department and dedication to law enforcement. The officer is selected by his/her peers in the Davenport Police Department.
In 2014, past recipient Sgt. Kevin Marxen passed away unexpectedly. Following discussion with the department, it was decided to rename the Davenport Noon Optimist Club's award the 'Sergeant Kevin P. Marxen Respect for Law' award to honor the life lived by Marxen.
Past recipients include 2024's recipient, Sgt. Jason Willey, Chief Jeffrey Bladel, Major Jamie Brownand past Chief Paul Sikorski.
Davenport Noon Optimist Club is part of Optimist International, whose mission is to bring out the best in 'youth, our communities and ourselves' by providing hope and positive vision.
About the Davenport Noon Optimist Club
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids. Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be. Every year, Optimists around the world conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people. The Davenport Noon Optimist Club serves youth in the Quad Cities with financial support and hands-on projects.
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