On the morning of November 2, 2016, central Iowa awoke to heartbreak. Two police officers - Justin Martin of Urbandale and Anthony Beminio of Des Moines - had been killed in an ambush-style shooting, sending shockwaves through the community and law enforcement across the state.

In the wake of this tragedy, grief gave rise to action. Local landscape contractor Martin Ortiz, owner of Landscapes by Martin, felt compelled to create a space that would honor not only the fallen but all who serve and protect. He reached out to Landscape Architect Lynn Kuhn, initiating a collaboration with the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) to design a memorial that would embody remembrance, gratitude, and unity.

 
Through the generous donation of time, talent, and treasure, the vision became reality. In May 2019, the Fallen Officer Memorial was officially dedicated on the front lawn of the DMPD headquarters.

DESIGN CONCEPT Rooted in Symbolism
Lynn Kuhn's design process was shaped by conversations with DMPD officers, drawing inspiration from the symbols that define their service - most notably, the badge. This emblem became the foundation of the memorial's physical form, anchoring the space with meaning and purpose.

At the heart of the design is the thin blue line, a symbol representing law enforcement's role as the barrier between order and chaos. Embedded blue pavers honor each fallen officer, creating a visual rhythm of remembrance.
The memorial is framed by thoughtful spatial elements, including the DMPD building that provides a sense of grounding and institutional presence, an accessible ramp that ensures inclusivity and ease of access, weathered steel panels that screen the adjacent parking lot, offering privacy and quietude, surrounding plantings that soften the space, inviting reflection and serenity, and a large badge centered on the steel panels that serves as a powerful focal point - drawing the eye of passersby and inviting them to pause, reflect, and remember.

More than a monument, the Fallen Officer Memorial is a living space - designed for individual contemplation and small group gatherings. It stands as a testament to the enduring bond between the Des Moines community and its protectors, a place where grief is honored, service is celebrated, and memory is preserved.

In every detail, from the materials chosen to the stories embedded in the design, the memorial speaks to the resilience of a community and the profound respect for those who gave everything in the line of duty.

"We are blessed to work in a community where our citizens truly care about the men and women of Team DMPD. I am grateful for all the hard work, planning, and incredible generosity to bring this to fruition. The result is an amazing memorial that we can all be proud of for years to come," Dana Wingert, Chief of Police.

As seen in LASN magazine, October 2025.