Jim Ortega has over 33 years of law enforcement experience.
From 2017 through 2020, Jim served as the chief of police for the Placerville Police Department. During his tenure, the Placerville Police Department had a staff of 30 full-time employees (19 sworn and 11 support staff members) and an annual budget of $3.2 million. Prior to serving in Placerville, Jim served with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office from 1988 until his retirement in 2017. His experience with the Sheriff’s Office includes 11 years in field services as a patrol deputy, sergeant, and lieutenant. As a captain, Jim held assignments as the commander of the Sacramento County Main Jail in Downtown Sacramento and commander of Court Security Services.
Jim serves on the Folsom Planning Commission, where he has vigilantly helped oversee the planning process in Folsom to make sure that new development balances the need for growth with protecting the quality of life and character of our neighborhoods.
Jim and his wife have lived in Folsom for over 17 years. They purchased their home in 2007 and have been active and involved in the community ever since. Jim has been a member of the Rotary Club of Folsom since 2015, a previous member and board member of the Active 20-30 of Sacramento #1, and a board member of the Northern California Peace Officers Association.
Jim earned his Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Sacramento.