Juan Tejada, a 1991 Marshalltown High School graduate, is an officer with the Marshalltown Police Department.

For Juan Tejada, Marshalltown is home.

He can’t think of a better way to serve his hometown than work as a police officer with the Marshalltown Police Department.

Tejada, a 1991 Marshalltown High School graduate, spent 13 years working at the Maytag plant in Newton. When that plant closed, a career change led him eventually to the MPD, where he has worked for the past 8 years.

“I just wanted to help people and give back to the community,” Tejada said.

Tejada said he loves the “not to small,” and “not too large” feel of Marshalltown.

“The diversity is a bonus too,” Tejada said.

He loves the variety of his job and he loves catching criminals and helping people in tough situations.

Aside from his duties as a uniform police officer, Tejada also is a department Taser instructor, child safety seat technician, a field training officer and a member of the department’s tactical team.

“He does a great job of molding and training young police officers and serving as a community role model,” said MPD Chief Mike Tupper.

Tejada said there is a strong bond among staff members at the MPD.

“Being in stressful situations you have to put a lot of trust in each other,” Tejada said.

Chief Tupper said Tejada is a hard worker, a consummate professional and cares about his community.

“Juan represents the department and his community daily with pride and professionalism,” Tupper said.