Dubuque, Iowa — On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Dubuque City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Assistant Chief Joe Messerich as the city’s next Chief of Police during its regular meeting. The decision formalizes a recommendation made by City Manager Mike Van Milligen the previous week, ensuring a smooth leadership transition for the Dubuque Police Department. 

Messerich will succeed Chief Jeremy Jensen, who announced plans to retire in August 2026 after more than 30 years of service, including four years as chief. Jensen’s retirement is scheduled for August 3. The approval positions Messerich to assume the top role shortly thereafter, maintaining continuity within a department that has prioritized community-oriented policing, recruitment, and professional development. 

Messerich’s Background and Qualifications

Joe Messerich brings more than 24 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, all within the Dubuque Police Department. He joined as a patrol officer in 2001 and steadily advanced through the ranks:

•  Roles as corporal in criminal investigation and community-oriented policing

•  Lieutenant in community-oriented policing and patrol

•  Captain in patrol

•  Captain in professional standards and internal affairs

•  Assistant Chief since June 2022 

City Manager Van Milligen highlighted Messerich’s strengths in a public statement: “Assistant Chief Joe Messerich brings more than two decades of experience within the Dubuque Police Department and a strong record of operational leadership, community partnership, and organizational stewardship.” 

Messerich holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Dubuque, as well as an MBA. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2023. His career also includes service on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, coordination of active shooter response training, and leadership of the police Explorer Post Program for youth. 

Context from the City Council Meeting and Search Process

The May 18 meeting marked the culmination of a structured search process following Chief Jensen’s retirement announcement earlier in 2026. The department had actively sought applicants and shared updates on recruitment efforts. Messerich emerged as the city manager’s top choice, reflecting internal confidence in his ability to lead. 

Council approval of such appointments is standard procedure in Dubuque, providing public oversight and formal ratification of the executive recommendation. While specific discussion details from the May 18 meeting were not extensively detailed in public reports, the action was listed among notable items and passed without reported controversy, underscoring broad support for promoting from within the department’s experienced ranks. 

Implications for the Department and Community

Messerich’s promotion ensures leadership steeped in local knowledge and long-term institutional memory. Observers note this continuity could benefit ongoing initiatives in community engagement, officer recruitment and retention, training standards, and public safety strategies amid evolving challenges like active shooter preparedness and inter-agency cooperation. 

For Dubuque residents, the transition signals stability in a key public safety role. The department has emphasized partnerships with the community, and Messerich’s background in community-oriented policing suggests these priorities will continue. His advancement also reflects a pattern of internal development within the Dubuque PD, where several recent chiefs rose through the ranks after serving in assistant or interim capacities. 

Looking Ahead

Messerich is expected to take over leadership responsibilities following Chief Jensen’s retirement. Local media, including KCRG-TV9, planned follow-up interviews with the incoming chief to discuss his vision for the department. 

This leadership change occurs against a backdrop of positive departmental trends reported in recent budget discussions, including increased police applications and efforts to strengthen recruitment pipelines. 

The City of Dubuque congratulates Assistant Chief Messerich on his appointment and thanks Chief Jensen for his decades of service. As Messerich prepares to lead, the focus will likely remain on maintaining trust, enhancing safety, and adapting to the needs of a growing and dynamic community.

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