Cedar Rapids Today

Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-02) has announced that Mason City Chief of Police, Jeff Brinkley, will be her guest at the State of the Union on March 7, 2024.

"I am excited to join Congresswoman Hinson in Washington this week to highlight the devastating consequences of the White House’s policy decisions related to the border and the ways our officers are working to keep Iowans safe as it impacts us each day. Though Mason City is thousands of miles from the Southern Border, our community is impacted, and our officers are working vigilantly to protect Iowans from the influx of drugs coming across the border as well as other safety threats stemming from this crisis. I look forward to calling attention to this vital issue with Congresswoman Hinson, and ensuring the perspective of law enforcement is heard this week." - Chief of Police Jeff Brinkley

"I am honored Mason City Chief of Police, Jeff Brinkley, will join me for the State of the Union. Chief Brinkley is on the frontlines of keeping our community safe and can attest that every state -- including Iowa -- is a border state under Joe Biden. Together, we will highlight the devastating impacts of Biden's border crisis in Iowa and the tireless efforts of our law enforcement officers to protect us. Chief Brinkley and his dedicated team do an incredible job keeping Iowans safe, and I'll continue to elevate the voices of law enforcement as we work to improve public safety and protect our communities." - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

Background: Chief Jeff Brinkley, a Hampton native, has served as the Mason City Chief of Police since 2016 and has worked in law enforcement for 25 years. Prior to his current position, Brinkley served as a Lieutenant for the Ames Police and an Officer for the University of Northern Iowa Police Department. Hinson has made supporting law enforcement a top priority in Congress and has helped lead several pieces of legislation to honor their work and provide the tools to keep our community safe, including legislation to disavow the defund the police movement and ensure illegal immigrants who assault police officers are deported.