The Davenport Noon Optimist Club honored Davenport Police Sgt. Jonathon Douglas with the Sergeant Kevin P Marxen Respect for Law award May 30, 2025, continuing a more than 40-year tradition of recognizing law enforcement officers.
The annual award, recognizing dedicated service and advancement of Optimist International’s Respect for Law objective, was presented at the Davenport RiverCenter. Mr. Douglas, a six-year U.S. Air Force veteran and former officer with the Plant City, Florida, Police Department, was chosen by his peers.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and Police Chief Jeffrey Bladel spoke at the event attended by more than 15 past recipients, police department peers, and Optimist Club members. The Respect for Law program, started in 1965, aims to highlight law enforcement’s dedication and encourage public support. In 2014, the award was renamed after Sgt. Kevin Marxen, who died unexpectedly.
Past recipients include Sgt. Jason Willey, Chief Bladel, Maj. Jamie Brown, and former Chief Paul Sikorski. The Davenport Noon Optimist Club, part of Optimist International, supports youth through service projects and financial aid in the Quad Cities.
