DES MOINES – The State of Iowa honored officers who have given their lives in the line of duty at a ceremony May 9th on the Capitol Complex, when four officers were officially added to the Peace Officers Memorial.
ROCKWELL CITY POLICE OFFICER JAMIE D. BUENTING -End of Watch: September 13, 2013
Police Officer Jamie Buenting was shot and killed during a standoff at a home on Pleasant Street,Rockwell City, Iowa, at approximately 1:40 am., Friday, September 13, 2013.
Officers had responded to the home approximately four hours earlier after receiving a report that a man wanted for felony domestic assault was at the location. The man refused to exit the home when officers arrived and barricade himself inside. The subject fired a single shot at approximately 1:40 am and struck Officer Buenting, killing him.
The subject remained barricaded inside his home until surrendering at approximately 5:30 am. He was charged with first degree murder.
Officer Buenting had served with the 4-officer Rockwell City Police Department for eight years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 12 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
FARMINGTON CITY MARSHAL REUBEN FENSTENMAKER – End of Watch: January 1, 1868
Farmington Marshal Reuben Fenstenmaker was shot and killed by a man who had been arrested for stealing horses.
Marshal Fenstenmaker was guarding the suspect during his arraignment before the local justice of the peace when the suspect suddenly produced a pistol and shot Fenstenmaker. The suspect escaped but was apprehended several weeks later.
FARMINGTON CITY MARSHAL ROBERT C. COULTER – End of Watch: December 21, 1902
Farmington City Marshal Robert Coulter was shot and mortally wounded by a man he attempted to arrest on a warrant for disturbing the peace.
After the suspect shot Marshal Counter twice in the stomach, he ran up the street and shot and killed the local justice of the peace. A mob of angry citizens shot and killed the suspect. Marshal Coulter died two days later.
ALTON TOWN MARSHAL JOSEPH KASHMETTER – End of Watch: March 27, 1911
Alton Town Marshal Joseph Kashmetter was shot and mortally wounded as he was walking near the town depot.
Marshal Kashmetter encountered two men who covered him with their revolvers and ordered him to throw up his hands. He obeyed and at the same time said, “I am the town marshal.” At this time, both men opened fire hitting Kashmetter in the chest and stomach. As the suspects fled, Marshal Kashmetter drew his revolver and fired several times. Citizens carried Marshal Kashmetter to the home of a local doctor where he died two days later. A posse failed to locate the suspects.
Governor Terry Branstad has proclaimed today, May 9, 2014, as Peace Officer Memorial Day in Iowa. The Governor has also proclaimed May 11-17, 2014 as Peace Officers’ Week in Iowa.