Award Recipients

Between October 2024 and June 2025, the ISU Police Department investigated a series of at least thirteen burglaries targeting high-value technology and robotic equipment from campus laboratories and lecture halls. The investigation involved more than 100 stolen items and required extensive coordination.  Officer Hicks played a key role by compiling detailed case information into a usable format, which was critical for identifying patterns, executing search warrants, and filing charges. The investigation revealed the suspect was reselling stolen items on eBay. Officer Feld played a critical role by analyzing online sales records, drafting and executing search warrants, and tracking stolen property.  Detective Meador contributed greatly by reviewing extensive surveillance footage, helping confirm the suspect’s identity, and gathering critical intelligence to locate the suspect and co-conspirators. Multiple search warrants were carried out, including complex and high-risk operations in Des Moines and Ames, resulting in the recovery of over $30,000 in stolen property and the safe arrest of the offender. The suspect was charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony, and multiple additional felonies, ultimately pleading guilty and receiving a 25-year prison sentence. The case reflects exceptional teamwork, persistence, and attention to detail, warranting commendation for high-quality investigative work. 

Lieutenant Jason Rieder is nominated for the Meritorious Service Commendation for his exceptional professionalism, leadership, and service above and beyond the call of duty. As Lieutenant of Threat Assessment and Management, Rieder has built strong, trusted relationships across the university and consistently demonstrates calm, compassionate, and effective leadership during crisis situations. In April 2025, Rieder responded immediately to a credible threat reported by the ISU Student Counseling Center involving a former fiancé of a student who had made threats of mass violence at ISU’s commencement ceremony and was attempting to acquire a firearm. Rieder promptly activated the Threat Assessment and Management team, met with the student the same day, and conducted a trauma-informed interview marked by empathy and care. He skillfully managed the investigation by delegating responsibilities, communicating effectively with ISUPD command staff, issuing a statewide bulletin, and actively contributing to the case investigation. Rieder authored the criminal charges that led to the arrest of the person of concern, actions that likely prevented an incident of mass violence. He also ensured the wellbeing of his team throughout the high-pressure investigation. Additionally, Rieder produced a comprehensive and well-articulated report detailing warning behaviors and risk factors, providing critical documentation for ISUPD, the Story County Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. Beyond this incident, Rieder consistently exemplifies outstanding leadership, professionalism, humility, and compassion, serving as a model supervisor and an invaluable asset to the Threat Assessment and Management unit. 

Nominated by: Detective Allision Aitchison

Detective Allison Aitchison, Detective Jay Meador, and TAM Coordinator Greg Kise are nominated for highly creditable acts serving the community, for major protection of life, and for demonstrating uncommon perseverance during an investigation. On April 16, 2025, ISUPD detectives were notified of a plot to carry out an attack at ISU’s Spring Commencement Ceremony, launching a 72‑hour period of exceptional professionalism and determination that undoubtedly saved countless lives.  A rapid but thorough investigation revealed the suspect’s deteriorating mental health, including grievance, fixation, paranoia, and hallucinations, and uncovered that he was not only researching and planning a violent attack but actively preparing for it. He was attempting to acquire firearms and ammunition, had selected a date and location, and had expressed a plan to kill as many people as possible, signaling the attack was imminent. The investigation required urgent intelligence collection and dissemination, coordination with local partners, execution of multiple search warrants, interviews with witnesses and the suspect, seizure of weapons and ammunition, and careful protection of a stalking victim. The suspect was ultimately taken safely into custody, remains in custody, and is receiving ongoing treatment while awaiting trial.Throughout those 72 hours, the Investigations and TAM team worked long, stressful days to quickly defuse the situation while also providing care, compassion, and safety to a directly involved student ahead of her graduation. Their professionalism, dedication, and care stopped a violent attack and saved countless lives, and their actions are beyond deserving of commendation. 

Amber Runkel, Clinical Therapist with ISU’s Student Counseling Services, is nominated for highly creditable service and life-saving actions taken in April 2025. After becoming aware of an imminent threat disclosed by a patient involving a planned mass violence attack at ISU’s commencement ceremonies and efforts to acquire an assault rifle, Amber promptly and appropriately notified ISUPD’s Threat Assessment and Management team. She also supported and encouraged her patient to report the threat directly to law enforcement, enabling swift intervention. The subsequent investigation confirmed the suspect was fixated, actively planning, and preparing for an imminent attack. The suspect was safely taken into custody and is receiving ongoing mental health treatment. Amber handled the disclosure with care and professionalism, consistent with patient privacy laws allowing reporting of serious and imminent threats. Her timely actions directly contributed to stopping the planned attack and saving countless lives, exemplifying dedication to patient care, community safety, and strong collaboration with ISUPD.  

Nominated by: Chief Michael Newton and Lieutenant Jason Rieder

Andrew Almquist, Information Security Analyst II