Cedar Rapids Police Chief Announces Retirement

Cedar Rapids Police Chief David L. Dostal announced his retirement today, closing a career that has spanned more than three decades of service to the Cedar Rapids community.

Dostal was appointed as the 28th Police Chief in Department history on February 13, 2024, after beginning his career with the Department as a Police Officer in 1991.

"It has been the honor of my life to serve the residents of Cedar Rapids and to work alongside the men and women of this Police Department," said Dostal. "I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve with the professional and dedicated employees of the Police Department. The stellar work conducted day in and day out by all sworn and non-sworn truly shows how safe Cedar Rapids is. This department means the world to me. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best department in the state. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with City leadership and the community for their trust and support, and I am confident the department will continue to provide the highest level of professional service to our city."

"Chief Dostal has led the Cedar Rapids Police Department with a deep commitment to both his officers and the community he grew up serving," said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. "His career reflects his dedication to law enforcement and the people he serves alongside. We are grateful for his service to Cedar Rapids."

Dostal's career with the Cedar Rapids Police Department included service across many of the Department's divisions, work that he has credited with teaching him to care deeply for the officers who risk their lives every day for the community and with allowing him to build and maintain strong community relationships. A graduate of Cornell College, Dostal completed numerous professional development programs during his career, including the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police in 2021, and received recognitions including Recruit Officer of the Year, the Community Service Award, the Commendation of Heroism, Police Officer of the Year, Employee of the Quarter, and the Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Award presented by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for his efforts to make Cedar Rapids a drug-free community.

Chief Dostal's last day in the office will be on October 2, 2026. The City will announce next steps regarding interim leadership of the Police Department and the process to select the next Chief of Police in the coming days.