The Clinton County Bar Association is proud to announce that Pastor Ron Lott, longtime volunteer police and fire chaplain in Clinton, Iowa, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Liberty Bell Award, presented in conjunction with Law Day.
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 3 pm in the South District Court courtroom on the 3rd floor of the Clinton County Courthouse. The public is invited to attend, and join afterwards for a reception in the Emergency Operations Center down the hallway.
The Liberty Bell Award is one of the most meaningful recognitions bestowed by the legal community upon a non-lawyer. It honors individuals whose service strengthens public understanding of the rule of law, promotes respect for constitutional principles, and advances the fair and humane administration of justice.
For more than several decades, Pastor Lott has served quietly but profoundly alongside law enforcement officers, firefighters, and the families they serve—often in the most difficult and traumatic moments imaginable. As a volunteer chaplain to the Clinton Police Department and Clinton Fire Department, he has responded to countless crisis scenes, including death notifications, accidents, and incidents of profound personal loss. In each instance, he has provided a steady, compassionate presence grounded not in doctrine, but in service.
Pastor Lott’s work reflects the very ideals the Liberty Bell Award was created to recognize. He has helped bridge the gap between institutions of public safety and the citizens they serve, fostering trust, dignity, and humanity in moments when those values are most tested. His role as a neutral, supportive presence—offering comfort, guidance, and connection to resources—has strengthened the fabric of the community and supported the emotional resilience of first responders.
Importantly, Pastor Lott embodies the principle that the justice system extends beyond courtrooms and statutes. The rule of law depends not only on enforcement, but on public confidence, compassion, and the shared belief in human dignity. By supporting officers in the field and citizens in crisis, he contributes to a system of justice that is not only effective, but humane.
Despite the demands of being on call at all hours, Pastor Lott has never sought recognition or compensation for his work. He has consistently viewed his service as a calling—one rooted in humility, presence, and a commitment to helping others navigate life’s most difficult moments.
Pastor Lott’s impact extends well beyond emergency response: his care for individuals and families has left a lasting impression on the entire community, often continuing long after the initial crisis has passed.
In honoring Pastor Ron Lott, the Clinton County Bar Association recognizes not only a lifetime of volunteer service, but a model of civic responsibility that reflects the highest ideals of Law Day: that justice is a shared responsibility, and that every citizen plays a role in upholding the values of our constitutional system.
Sincerely,
Mike Wolf
Clinton County Attorney
