Spotlight Series: Meet the Police Chief – Jim Pottebaum

Next in our spotlight series is the Police Department, which is focused on keeping the public safe, helping the community, and working closely with our local school systems.

Jim Pottebaum is our police chief and has served in Orange City for 26 years. Read more about him below

 What areas do you oversee?

As Chief of Police I assure fair and impartial enforcement of the laws. I oversee our investigative unit and assist as necessary for the prosecution of any person alleged to have violated any law or ordinance. I oversee our patrol division and respond to complaints from our citizens. I also maintain and enforce the standard operating procedures manual regulating the operation of the department.

In what ways does your department’s work most impact the general public?

Our department’s work most impact the general public by responding to calls and keeping the public safe. We assist the general public by taking calls very seriously and helping the victims in our community. I feel we have a big impact on the schools by showing a strong presence every day and work well with our school administrators.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

A typical day in my role includes responding to calls and patrol. I will also try to be present in the schools during the day as permitted. I send out work emails and press releases throughout the day. I oversee all the call takers and make sure calls are being handled correctly. I attend leadership meetings and provide several record checks throughout the day. I also have done several submissions for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy throughout the years with our two new hires and stay up to date with online training through Police Legal Sciences.

What do you most enjoy about serving the City of Orange City?

What I most enjoy about serving the City of Orange City is helping the community in their time of need. We responded to over 3600 calls last year so we have lots of experience and we strive to do things correctly. I take pride in working for City of Orange City because it is a very safe and clean community that we are very proud of.

Tell us about your family.

My wife Denae and I have been married for 9 years. Denae is a tax accountant at Bengard and Associates. We share four children together. Brady is 20 and just graduated from WITT working for D and L Plumbing in Orange City. Madison is 18 and is a freshman at Northwestern College and plans on playing basketball there this fall. Dax is 15 and is a sophomore at MOC/FV. Piper is 14 and is a freshman at MOC/FV.

What do you love about living/working in Orange City?

I love working in Orange City because I feel like I have a lot of support from our citizens.

How do you enjoy spending free time in the community?

I enjoy spending free time in the community taking walks on the puddle jumper trail and playing golf. I am an avid hunter and fisherman.