July 28, 2026

The public is invited to attend a reception celebrating the career and recent retirement of former Dubuque Chief of Police Jeremy Jensen at an open house on Monday, Aug. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Grand River Center, 500 Bell St.

Jensen announced his retirement earlier this year after more than three decades in law enforcement, including over 30 years of service to the Dubuque Police Department. Earlier this year, then Assistant Chief of Police Joe Messerich was announced as Jensen’s successor and was sworn in as chief of police on July 20.

Jensen was sworn in as Dubuque’s chief of police in June 2022 after serving as interim chief beginning in September 2021. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership and operational roles within the department, including assistant chief, patrol captain, internal affairs lieutenant, tactical team supervisor, criminal investigator, community policing corporal, field training officer, and patrol officer.

Jensen joined the Dubuque Police Department in 1994 after serving in law enforcement roles with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Vinton Police Department, and the Sumner Police Department.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Jensen served as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at both Loras College and the University of Dubuque. He earned a master of arts degree in communication and a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from the University of Dubuque, as well as an associate’s degree in police science from Hawkeye Institute of Technology.

Jensen is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and Assessor, and a certified Intercultural Competency Trainer. He is also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Iowa Association of Chiefs of Police.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Aug. 3 open house to recognize Jensen for his dedicated service and wish him well in retirement