Crime & Safety

Smile, You're On Patch: Jack O'Donnell Closes the Door on 43 Years of Law Enforcement

The police chief began his career Feb. 1, 1969, in Omaha and ended it on Feb. 1, 2012, in West Des Moines.

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A steady stream of well-wishers greeted retiring West Des Moines Police Chief Jack O'Donnell Tuesday as he ended 43 years in law enforcement.

A host of law enforcement officials, Justice Department officials and public officials gave tributes to the retiring chief, who began his career on Feb. 1, 1969, at Omaha and ended it on Feb. 1, 2012, in West Des Moines.

A search is under way for the city's next police chief.

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