Behind the Radio and in the Field: A Reserve Deputy’s Commitment to Service

18 hours ago

2 min read

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Webster County Reserve Deputy Katelyn Ganzeveld has received national recognition for her work in another critical area of public safety, her full-time role as a 911 dispatcher. Ganzeveld was presented with the Sunshine Dispatcher Award by Gold Line Support, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting public safety communications professionals. She is the first Iowa dispatcher to receive the national honor, which recognizes dispatchers who go above and beyond in their service.

The surprise presentation also highlighted the unique connection between Ganzeveld's two public-safety roles. Because she is a Webster County Reserve Deputy, Deputy Sheriff Nick Dunbar was able to arrange for her to come to the courthouse under the pretense of discussing reserve-unit business, helping keep the award presentation a secret until the final moment.

Ganzeveld's path into public safety began in 2022, when she started working part-time as a dispatcher while attending Iowa Central Community College. After earning an associate degree in criminal justice in 2023, she became a full-time dispatcher while continuing her service as a reserve deputy. Her career reflects the many ways individuals can contribute to law enforcement and public safety—serving both behind the communications console and alongside deputies in a reserve capacity.

Her recognition is therefore more than a story about an award. It is an example of how reserve officers can bring their commitment to public safety into multiple roles, with Ganzeveld contributing professionally as a dispatcher while volunteering her time as a sworn reserve deputy. Her service demonstrates the interconnected nature of modern public safety and the many different ways dedicated personnel can answer the call to serve their communities.