Jim Van Wattum

Jimmy Van Wattum is a Lieutenant with 14 years of dedicated service at the Ridgefield, CT, Police Department, where he currently supervises the midnight shift and upholds operational readiness and professional standards. As a certified instructor in Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Building Searches, and Use of Force, Jimmy has played a key role in advancing officer proficiency and safety. He serves on multiple specialty units, including the Western Connecticut ESU, Accident Investigation, and Honor Guard, reflecting his broad tactical, analytical, and ceremonial expertise. Beyond his departmental responsibilities, Jimmy is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt and an accomplished ultramarathon runner—demonstrating his unwavering commitment to wellness, discipline, resilience, and continuous personal growth.