IFPD officer honored for leadership

The Idaho Falls Police Department promoted its first ever female sergeant in December, and now, she’s the Idaho Falls Police Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Jessica Marley is in charge of a group of about 8-9 officers, called a platoon. The platoon model was just implemented about a month ago. It allows for a more cohesive group that sets goals and looks out for each other.

“We are a small team and in a small team you rely on each other,” Marley said. “You have the strengths and weaknesses of everyone. And I’ve seen a lot of motivation within the group. Pushing each other to do better, pushing each other to learn and to have that knowledge that we continually need as police officers.”

That leadership style and thinking got her the American Legion Idaho Falls Police Officer of the Year — an award voted on by her fellow officers. They say she’s raised moral in the group and brought the squad closer together.

“Sgt. Marley is incredibly smart,” said Officer Stetson Belnap, a member of Sgt. Marley’s squad. “She has a wealth of knowledge that she shares that with others in a way that makes us understand and want to learn more and makes us want to do everything the best we can so that we do our job the best we can to protect the public.”

“So Jessica’s leadership style is very officer oriented,” said Officer Cortney Sato, another member of Sgt. Marley’s squad. “So, you have some leaders that are just focused on the mission and just being in charge, but she’s brought a very inclusive environment to where we not only watch each other’s back on the street, but she’s very concerned of us watching each other’s back while we’re not on the street.”

Sgt. Marley is thankful, not only to the veterans who honored her, but her co-workers as well.

Sgt. Marley, “I don’t think words can even describe that. It’s really truly an honor because I respect them. I respect the work that they do and I appreciate everything that they do and they bring and I’m learning from them.”