ALGONA, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Iowa State Police Association (ISPA) presented a “Purple Heart” award to the family of Officer Kevin Cram last Sunday. This award is given to any sworn Iowa peace officer who has been seriously, critically, or fatally injured in the line of duty.

Officer Kevin Cram, 33, was on patrol in Algona when he responded to an arrest warrant for a harassment charge from Palo Alto County. During the arrest, the suspect shot Cram with a handgun, fatally wounding him.

Judy Kellen, past president of the ISPA, described the honor as bittersweet.

Algona Police Chief Bo Miller added that such honors help keep Officer Cram’s memory alive.

Over 20 officers from around the state have received the ISPA Purple Heart since its inception in 2013. For more information, visit www.ispaonline.com.