Meet Chief of Police Jim Fenwick

By Jeff Curtis, Director Orange Downtown Alliance | Posted: Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"Our image is like a velvet-covered fist...warm and fuzzy, but ready to take care of business when necessary."

"The big bald guy carrying a gun and badge."  That's how Chief Fenwick says folks usually describe him and as a former football player with a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, he fits the bill!  Jim is originally from Fredericksburg and after his education in Tennessee, has been able to make Orange his home.

"It's a funny story how I got into law enforcement," he started, "there was an issue with some of my fellow student-athletes throwing stuff at some of the campus police cars one night.  The Chief there stopped by and invited us to spend some time with the officers to see just what the Department was all about and what they did in the community.  It really was one of the first proactive acts of crime prevention that helped me pattern my own style.  I was the only one to take him up on his offer and quickly was hired as a student assistant for the summer, delivering crime prevention programs to the university community while also getting the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the police department. That fall, after a career-ending football injury, I was able to work part-time for the department while still attending school full time. At the age of 21, I also became an Auxiliary Deputy in a neighboring county and worked at both departments while attending school until graduation, when I moved back to Virginia.  The experience of working at the sheriff's department in Tennessee really shaped my views on the police department being an ambassador of the town, as the county where I worked was very dependent on tourism. In 1994 I was hired by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and in 2004 as Chief for the Orange Police Department."

If Fenwick were to describe his Department in a few words he'd use "business-friendly" and "helpful". "We do things to remind the community that we're here really to protect and serve.  One of the first things I initiated was the business check slips to let folks know we were here looking out for them long after the Town goes to sleep at night.  We try to keep a very visible, proactive Department.  We had a call one day from an elderly lady who, for whatever reason, had her trees toilet papered.  It was a mess, and not much to go on in terms of suspects. Rather than leave the victim to be further victimized by having to clean up the toilet paper, one of my Officers actually stayed there and cleaned up the mess for her.  I've also had Officers who have bought gas for stranded motorists.  Our main goals are to solve problems and help people - not just write tickets."

But the Department maintains a highly professional, efficient enforcement protocol while balancing its' community-friendly profile.  "One of the first things we did was to work with the Commonwealth's Attorney to interdict habitual  drunkards.  It changes a repetitious civil violation to a criminal offense.  We had one guy with over 90 violations!  The interdiction order makes it illegal for these folks to possess or purchase alcohol.  It has not only cleaned up repeat violators but I firmly believe it's saved at least 2 lives" said the Chief. 

"The citizens of this Town are our equity and as we all know, it's good to have lots of equity to rely upon when needed", sums up the Chief.

Besides his frequent participation in Town events the big guy with the bald head likes to read up on history, enjoys fishing, and spending quality time as a dad to his 2 children.