Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol signed the 28E before Tama Mayor Danny Robinson as every officer of the Tama-Toledo Police Department stood behind them. Officers from left to right are, Reserve Officer Clay Morris, Lieutenant Nathan Wunn, Officer Igor Dias, Sergeant Tyler Ayala-Pagan, Detective Rod See, Chief Dan Quigley, Officer Parker Kercheval, Officer Andy Bunce, Reserve Officer Jesse Brown, and School Resource Officer Vern Jefferson. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Have you ever seen 10 police officers speak in unison? Well, if you were at this week’s special Tama and Toledo joint council meeting, you would have seen just that. Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol and Tama Mayor Danny Robinson signed a ceremonial 28E agreement to mark the official start of the merged Tama-Toledo Police Department, even though technically the department has been up and running for a couple of weeks now.

Then, with the entire department lined up, the mayors swore them all in at once. The 10 officers of the department are Chief Dan Quigley, Lieutenant Nathan Wunn, Sergeant Tyler Ayala-Pagan, School Resource Officer Vern Jefferson, Detective Rod See, Officer Igor Dias, Officer Andy Bunce, Officer Parker Kercheval, Reserve Officer Jesse Brown, and Reserve Officer Clay Morris.

Chief Quigley reported that the newly merged department has received over 300 calls for service since Oct. 26 and has made eight arrests. The chief spoke seriously to the council about a vehicle pursuit that went through the county on Friday, Nov. 6. While officers of the Tama-Toledo Police Department attempted to box the vehicle in, the driver of the vehicle opened fire on the officers. All officers were unharmed, but a squad car took damage. The chase, which began in Marshall County, ended with the deaths of the suspect and an innocent, uninvolved teenage driver along Highway 30 in Cedar Rapids.

School Resource Officer Vern Jefferson gave a presentation to the council members explaining all that he does and the ways he affects the school district. Vern explained how he is a resource for the students, and about the many drills the schools practice.

The Rec Board spoke to the council’s about all that they’ve done in the last year, including enclosing the south ball field with some money received from a grant.

The Tama-Toledo Police Officers and their families who came to see the historic event. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The Aquatic Center talked to the councils about the successful season they had and the improvements that have been and continue to be made.

In a flash, the joint meeting adjourned and the regularly scheduled Toledo City Council meeting began. They started with a public hearing to amend the FY 27 budget that had no comment, as most of the public had left at this point. The council went on to approve a resolution for the amendment to the budget.

After much struggle and hassle over 103 Business Highway 30 West, aka the Alvarez Auto building, the city approved moving forward on litigation to declare this an abandoned building and take ownership. If successful, the property will be sold to eager buyers Juli Sanford and Dave Bral.

Two nuisance abatement properties were discussed at length. The first property was described as being trashed, unsafe, and infested. The council approved declaring it a health and safety hazard. The second property: the council approved moving forward with a consideration of abandonment.

The council approved carrying over 40 hours of vacation for Tama-Toledo Police Officer Lt. Nathan Wunn with the promise that they will be used by January.

All 10 officers were sworn in at the same time, by both mayors. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Kendall Jordan looked fashionable during the meeting as he sat next to the purse of Tama City Council member Elaina Rivera Martinez’s purse, which was mistaken for his own. He reported for the Public Works Department that they hosted a tour of the water plant for a local town that is thinking of building their own.

They are working on the sewer on North Church and North Broadway. The setup for Jolly Lights has started, and the park will soon be closed due to the event. A speed hump will also be placed at the stop sign at Ross and Anne. It was reported that the Fire Department has received 129 calls to service.

Toledo EMS had 59 runs in October.