Waukee Welcomes Two New Police Officers

WAUKEE, IA — The hiring of two additional police officers this month raised the number of sworn officers in Waukee by 10 percent. Mayor Bill Peard swore in officers Kathryn Guess and Maria Sanchez at last week's City Council meeting.

Guess earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Iowa. She previously worked for Nationwide Insurance and EMC Insurance as an auto claims adjuster, according to a city news release. She also served six years with military police in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Sanchez is working toward her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and human relations through the University of Iowa. She was a reserve police officer in West Liberty for three years before coming to Waukee.

“We are quite lucky to have hired such great representatives of the Waukee Police Department,” Police Chief John Quinn said. “Already we are seeing true leadership potential in officers Guess and Sanchez. They will provide additional strength on the force as we serve the ever-growing Waukee community.”

The two new officers both graduated as part of the 276th class at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 13. Sanchez was elected secretary/treasurer for the class.

The officers now will complete four months of field training through the department. Waukee has 22 sworn officers serving the community.

Photo: From left, Waukee Police Chief John Quinn, Officer Kathryn Guess, Officer Maria Sanchez and Mayor Bill Peard on Dec. 18 following the swearing in of the new officers. / Photo provided by City of Waukee