For more than two decades, Dawn Jonas has served the Crete community as a dedicated officer with the Crete Police Department.
Now, as the department’s newest lieutenant, Jonas steps into a leadership role that reflects her experience, commitment and passion for law enforcement.
Jonas’s policing journey began with her working as a dispatcher for the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. That experience provided her with insight on law enforcement and strengthened her desire to serve in a more hands-on role.
In 2003, Jonas took that next step and joined the Crete Police Department. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, gaining experience in patrol, investigations and field training. Now as lieutenant, she oversees a team of officers, ensuring that department operations run smoothly and that the force continues to provide high quality service to the community.
“Everything about this job is a challenge because while we help people, that help isn't always what people want,” Jonas said. “We see people on their worst days and sometimes the help we're giving them is we're taking them to jail or we're making them go to the hospital when they don't want to, or we're taking their kids away. We have the ups and downs that we go through and we're always happy to overcome that.”
Jonas has witnessed many changes in law enforcement since her early days on the force. Advances in technology, new policies and evolving public expectations have all shaped the way police officers operate today. Throughout her journey with the Crete Police Department, things like body cameras, improved training programs and community outreach have changed the way Jonas goes about doing her job.
Building trust with the community is something Jonas takes seriously. She has been involved in various outreach efforts, including speaking with English Language Learner students and participating in local events.
She believes that engagement and open communication help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public.
“When you're working these cases with kids and with child abuse, you don't have a lot of positive good stories, especially when you start getting the system involved and see the way things work out,” said Jonas. “It can be incredibly frustrating, so when you do see a happy ending, you're like, yes, that's a win.”
Jonas’s leadership is also shaping the next generation of officers. She takes pride in mentoring younger officers and helping them navigate the challenges of the job. She advises individuals to do their best to stay out of trouble and not put themselves in a situation where they have convictions or have lost their license because those are things that are important to be a police officer.
“I really looked up to Officer Jonas when she worked at the school,” Officer Jaden Acevedo said.
Despite the challenges that come with the job, Jonas remains committed to her work and to the people of Crete. As lieutenant, Jonas continues to set an example of dedicated values that have defined her career and will shape the future of the Crete Police Department.
