Washington Police Department Sergeant and Investigator Brian VanWilligen was named the 2025 Officer of the Year. 

Washington Police Chief Jim Lester presented the WPD’s 2025 Annual Report during this week’s city council meeting. VanWilligen is a 20-year veteran of the WPD and has demonstrated professionalism and leadership during his three decades of public safety.

For more than a decade, VanWilligen has served as a Drug Recognition Expert, playing a critical role in impaired driving enforcement and helping ensure safer roadways for the community. He is also a certified Standardized Field Sobriety Testing instructor, sharing knowledge and training with fellow officers to strengthen the department’s capabilities and regularly assists new officers with training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. 

Beyond these roles, VanWilligen is the department’s primary investigator. This responsibility includes managing cases, coordinating with the County Attorney’s Office and partner agencies to ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly and professionally. 

In early 2025, he concluded an investigation of an animal neglect and child endangerment case resulting in the filing of more than 40 criminal charges involving three defendants. This investigation required extensive investigative work and collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Humans Services and PAWS and More Animal Shelter to ensure accountability for the adults responsible in this case. In addition to his investigative responsibilities, VanWilligen serves as a resource for other officers within the department.