To the Marshalltown Police Department,

I am writing this letter to recognize not only the department as one, but to a very special officer that took lifesaving measures so I can be here today to talk about it, Logan Wolf.

On Aug. 17, the evening you arrived, I was living in a lifestyle defined by fear, trauma, addiction and abuse that had become too heavy to carry alone. I was trapped in an ongoing vicious cycle of domestic violence living in the painful aftermath of sexual assault, uncertain if safety or peace existed anywhere in my life. My addiction had become both a symptom of my suffering and a desperate attempt to survive it.

When you approached me that evening, you did more than respond to a call. You became the moment my life changed. Your demeanor was protective without feeling threatened. You spoke to me with a calmness I forgot existed. Your voice was steady when mine was breaking, your questions weren’t sharp. You were gentle, compassionate and aware. As if you already understood how loud fear sounds when trying to outrun not just just violence, but addiction as well. You looked at me with no judgment, no rush, no irritation, but with humanity. You treated me like a person worth saving, even the parts of me that felt unworthy of being saved.

You helped me walk away from a place I believed I was going to die in. You protected me. You handled my pain like something fragile, not something inconvenient. You recognized the layers — abuse, trauma, silence and addiction. You treated them all with care I didn’t realize I was worthy enough to receive.

Because of you, I found strength to leave the violence behind, confront my addiction and breath long enough not only to survive, but to heal. You gave me so much more than just scrutiny, you gave me hope and dignity. You restored my beliefs in faith and helped me recognize my life can still change direction no matter how far I’ve gone.

Because of you, my girls have their mother back; my father still has his daughter; and my siblings still have their sister. I’m here today because you didn’t just do your job; you cared while doing it. I hope the department carries that truth — that sometimes one call, one officer, can be the moment a life keeps going instead of ending.

With sincere appreciation, respect and lifelong gratitude,

Jordan Danielle Norton

Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor