Superintendent: Our Condolences for Two Fallen Officers

The following letter from Dr. Thomas Ahart, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has been shared with all school district families and staff about two police officers killed in the Des Moines metro early this morning:

As you have no doubt heard, two police officers – one from Des Moines and one from Urbandale – were killed early today. Thankfully, the suspect in this cowardly act was quickly apprehended. Sadly, this tragedy has touched many people throughout the community, both here in Des Moines and our neighbors in Urbandale.

I want you to know that today’s tragic events hit especially hard for many of us at Des Moines Public Schools. Sgt. Anthony Beminio, one of the officers killed, is a former SRO with the school district, having served at both East and Roosevelt high schools as well as with our Bridges program. Everyone who worked with Sgt. Beminio praises the support he provided to students and staff each and every day in the important role he played in our schools.

Des Moines Public Schools is proud to have a close relationship with the Des Moines Police Department. From School Resource Officers in our schools to support of our criminal justice program at Central Campus to many officers being parents and volunteers in our schools, the men and women of DMPD are our friends and family, our neighbors and colleagues.

Our neighbors in Urbandale cancelled classes today, due in part to the investigation of one of the shootings taking place next to their high school. After speaking with DMPD Chief Dana Wingert early this morning, it was my assessment that we could hold classes today in DMPS while preserving the safety of our students and staff. While we did take some additional safety measures this morning out of an abundance of caution, I am confident that school was a safe place to be today. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and if there is ever any doubt about the well-being of our students and staff, we take immediate action.

I hope you will join me in keeping the family, friends and colleagues of both fallen officers in your thoughts during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone whose lives were touched by these two officers.