(February 20, 2026) Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel has announced that he will be retiring on March 2, 2026, after 31 years of dedicated service to the Davenport Police Department.
Bladel served in every division of the department over the course of his career. He spent 17 years on the Emergency Services Team, gained extensive investigative experience in the Tactical Operations Bureau, and previously served as a member of the FBI’s Quad City Gang Task Force. In August 2022, he was sworn in as Davenport’s Chief of Police after serving six years as Assistant Chief
“Serving the City of Davenport has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply proud of our city, our Police Department, and the extraordinary professionals who serve this community every day,” said Chief Bladel. “As I step into retirement, I carry profound gratitude for the people of this city and the privilege of having stood alongside those who protect it.”
A lifelong Davenport resident, Bladel returned home after serving in the U.S. Army as an airborne military police officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in law enforcement intelligence and analysis from Michigan State University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy, Class 291, in 2024.
During his tenure with the agency, Bladel led the department’s involvement in nationally recognized initiatives, including the Department of Justice Public Safety Partnership, the Smart Policing Initiative, and the National Network for Safe Communities. Under his leadership, the department expanded its use of data‑driven crime‑reduction strategies, established a dedicated Crime Analysis Unit, and implemented the Group Violence Intervention strategy in Davenport.
Bladel played a pivotal role in advancing major public‑safety initiatives across the Quad Cities. He championed innovative strategies to address challenges ranging from gun violence to mental health crisis response, leading efforts such as the Quad City NIBIN initiative and launching a Crisis Co‑Responder Program within the agency. These initiatives strengthen the department’s ability to prevent crime, respond effectively, and build greater trust with the community.
“Chief Bladel transformed the way people think about crime prevention in Davenport through early intervention and strong community partnerships,” said Mayor Jason Gordon. “Jeff will always be a valued member of the Davenport Police Department family, and we thank him for his years of dedicated public service in our community.”
In retirement, Bladel looks forward to spending more time with his friends and family, including his children and father Michael Bladel, who proudly served as a Davenport Police Chief before him. Effective March 3, 2026, Major Greg Behning will serve as the Interim Chief until Chief Bladel’s successor is named.