Featured Member of the Month

Lieutenant Adam "Dutch" VanderLeest joined the department in 2004 straight out of high school. That was four years ago, baby faced and innocent. Now Lieutenant VanderLeest doubles his duties with serving the City of Polk City residents and neighbors. Not only is he is a member of the Polk City Fire Department but he is also Officer VanderLeest with the Polk City Police Department.

Officer VanderLeest joined the PCPD over a year ago. He was sent through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy soon after joining. After all the morning runs, sit-ups, getting maced and tasered he graduated from the ILEA in December 2007.

Adam graduated from North Polk High School and has lived in Polk City all his life. He is engaged to marry Lori Kellar of Polk City on September 13th (Iowa vs. Iowa State weekend)! If you see a tear coming from Adam’s eye don’t assume it’s from wedding jitters. Oh by the way, was it mentioned that Adam and Lori are both Hawkeye fans? Let’s hope there is a big screen television behind them at the wedding. Beyond all the crying and screaming (of course due to the game), we wish the couple only the best!

Adam has been Lieutenant of the EMS Division since January 2008. He is currently working towards getting his Paramedic Specialist certification. He holds the following certifications: Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, BLS Instructor, Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Operations and Ice Rescue Specialist. Lieutenant VanderLeest can also be seen helping teach any of the CPR classes that are offered to the community.

While not playing firefighter, medic, police officer or fiancé Adam likes spending his time flying. He attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge after high school and he received his Commercial Pilots license. One of Adam’s goals is to fly for the Iowa State Patrol someday. Adam also likes to help out a local farmer by Alleman for which he has worked with for the last 8 years.

If you would like to learn more about Lieutenant VanderLeest or give him your congrats on marriage you can email him at Adam.Vanderleest@polkcityfd.com.

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