News

By Susan Gwiasda

City of Ames

June 21, 2012

AMES, Iowa – Ames Police Sergeant Howard Snider, 51, died in a water accident Sunday in Geode State Park in southern Iowa. Snider was hired by the Ames Police Department on Jan. 23, 1989.  He had previously been employed as a Correctional Officer at the Iowa State Penitentiary and served in the U.S. States Marine Corps. 

Ames City Manager Steve Schainker said the entire City of Ames organization was “stunned and saddened” by the news of Snider’s death. “Howard was a leader in the Ames Police Department and committed to the success of our Safe Neighborhoods Team. He believed in community policing and knew the work he was doing was important. He improved the lives of many people throughout his career,” Schainker said.

After serving as a Patrol Officer, Snider was promoted to Corporal on Oct. 21, 1997 and Sergeant on Oct. 15, 2002.  He served as a firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and crowd control instructor for the Ames Police Department and other agencies.

During his career, Snider had major assignments with the Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Ames Police Department Emergency Response Team, and most recently with the Safe Neighborhoods Team. He was also a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical Service, where he served as a Security Officer.

In addition to his contribution as a police officer, supervisor, and trainer, Snider served as a mentor to many new police officers, said Ames Police Chief Chuck Cychosz.

“Howard’s philosophy of ‘firm and fair’ was well recognized by trainees and those he supervised because he held himself to the same standard.  We are mourning the loss of his talents and his leadership,” Cychosz said. “Howard was a very dedicated law enforcement officer and will truly be missed by all members of his law enforcement family.”

Ames Mayor Ann Campbell spoke on behalf of the Ames City Council. “"Our thoughts are with the family of Sgt. Snider following this tragic incident, and we offer our support during this difficult time,” Campbell said. “Strengthening and protecting neighborhoods has long been a goal of the Ames City Council; however, it falls on the shoulders of people like Sgt. Snider to give meaning to those words. Howard took that idea to heart. He was a dedicated public servant and an excellent representative of the Ames Police Department." 

Snider is survived by his wife and two children.