The City of Storm Lake had a four percent decrease in crime reports last year, according to the local police department’s annual report.
In a message included in the report, Storm Lake Police Chief Chris Cole states that the reduction highlights the dedication of their patrol officers and detectives who work diligently every day to ensure the safety of community members.
Cole says they prioritized filling open patrol officer positions and improving officer salaries and benefits to attract and retain the most qualified individuals. Cole says the department is fully staffed, with the exception of one officer who is currently deployed with the Iowa National Guard.
Strategic goals for the upcoming year include enhancing employee culture and compensation, expanding training and professional development, strengthening community engagement and trust, enhancing partnerships, and leveraging technology.
The Storm Lake Police Department received 33,481 calls for service last year, up more than 32 hundred from 2023.
According to the annual Storm Lake Fire report, the department responded to 265 fire and rescue-related incidents in 2024, which was 23 fewer than the previous year.
According to Fire Chief Glenn Schlesser, the department received multiple equipment upgrades last year. Fire fighters received approximately 1,796 hours of training.