“Iowa State Patrol Day on RAGBRAI”: Iowa State Patrol Celebrates 75 Years

Fri, May 14, 2010 | by TJ Juskiewicz

On a hot Sunday afternoon, July 28, 1935, fifty patrol officers who comprised the newly formed Iowa Highway Safety Patrol, fanned out across the State of Iowa for their first day of service to Iowa’s citizens.

Secretary of State Ola Babcock Miller, who served as the primary driving force behind the establishment of the Highway Safety Patrol, believed the Safety Patrol was needed to help stem the tide of death and injury on Iowa’s roadways. Her motto “Save Lives First” still serves as the primary foundation of the Iowa State Patrol’s enforcement programs. In 2010, the Iowa State Patrol will mark its 75th year of service to the citizens of Iowa. Mrs. Miller would certainly be proud of the evolution of “her boys” in the Highway Patrol.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2010, RAGBRAI will honor the 75^th Anniversary by naming Wednesday’s ride from Clear Lake to Charles City, Iowa State Patrol Day on RAGBRAI.

The Iowa State Patrol has been involved with RAGBRAI from the beginning and has played in integral role in helping make the route as safe as possible. Colonel Patrick Hoye stated, “I would like to think the Iowa State Patrol and RAGBRAI both showcase what’s great about Iowa.” Dozens of troopers are actively involved each summer during the ride, helping riders and motorists safely travel Iowa’s roadways. Several active and retired troopers are avid cyclist and ride RAGBRAI each summer.

Charles City will have a ceremony early that evening in town to officially celebrate the anniversary, 75 years to the day the Patrol was formed by Secretary Miller.

Let’s be sure to give the Iowa State Patrol a big thanks on RAGBRAI XXXVIII and help honor them on Iowa State Patrol Day on RAGBRAI!

2010 RAGBRAI, Charles City, Iowa State Patrol

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3 Responses on ““Iowa State Patrol Day on RAGBRAI”: Iowa State Patrol Celebrates 75 Years”

Sandaltan

May 14, 2010 at 4:47 pm

Thanks for standing out in the hot sun, the rain and the wind and making it all possible. But thanks most of all for your patience with us, bikers and drivers alike.

Marty

May 16, 2010 at 8:17 am

When I share stories about Ragbrai, I aways comment on how this ride in like none other, because the State Patrol and the other law enforcement agencies are on the route at every main traffic intersection. The benefit as an older, slower biker (mid 40’s) is I am able to keep my speed up!!! Its not start, stop, start, stop all day long. Thanks for waving this biker through the intersections and keeping us safe. See you in July.

SFC JKL2

May 19, 2010 at 9:35 am

We always take care of our fellow civil servants. Just hope Team Buzzkill is looking the other way on Beer Tuesday. Should make Wednesday nice and peaceful for them.