Branstad names Arlen J. Ciechanowski as new head of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

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(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Arlen J. Ciechanowski as the new director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Ciechanowski, 58, replaces outgoing director Penny Westfall, who stepped down from the position last month.

“I am pleased that Arlen has accepted this position,” said Branstad. “Arlen has a long, distinguished career in law enforcement, and understands the administrative needs in making the leadership academy successful.”

Ciechanowski begins tomorrow, and says he looks forward to serving the people of Iowa in his new role.

“I am thrilled to be asked to head up the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and serve not only the governor, but the law enforcement community of Iowa,” said Ciechanowski, who served the state of Iowa in law enforcement for 36 years, first with the Ames Police Department and the Story County Sheriff’s Department, and later as both an instructor and assistant director at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Ciechanowski resides in Polk City with his wife, Patty.