September 14, 2023 - American Legion Post 26 honored Davenport Police Corporal Austin Ryckeghem and Davenport Fire District Chief Craig Black as their police officer and firefighter of the year.

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
District Chief Craig Black was awarded the American Legion’s Firefighter of the Year award. He has been in the fire service for over 30 years and was recognized by DFD’s administrative staff for leading several emergency responses in the past year. 
Fire Chief Carlsten said, "Chief Black's leadership, tactical decision-making, and command presence were instrumental in each of these challenging incidents." 
District Chief Black accepted the award on behalf of all the men and women he works alongside at each fire scene, thanking them for their consistent work in keeping crews and citizens safe in the community.

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Corporal Ryckeghem, an eight-and-a-half-year veteran of the police department, is being recognized for his outstanding efforts and for his continued dedication to enhancing not only the safety of our community, but the safety of his fellow officers. Over the past year, Ryckeghem has volunteered his own time to research new and innovative technologies and officer safety best practices improving the safety and training of Davenport’s first responders through deployment of the technologies and cross-departmental training. Not only does he go above and beyond to improve officer safety and department initiatives, Ryckeghem is dedicated to selflessly serving our community both on and off duty. In October of 2022, while off-duty, Ryckeghem provided life-saving measures when a retired police officer had a medical event. His character is best reflected through his actions and embodiment of integrity, fairness, competency, professionalism, community partnerships and meaningful police interactions.