On March 7, 2020, the Ottumwa Police Department participated in “Family Fest” held at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Family Fest is sponsored by the Bridge View Center and offers an opportunity for members of the community to participate in numerous family activities. The Police Department in “Safety City” allowed citizens, with an emphasis on children, to tour police vehicles including squad cars and the Emergency response vehicle. The children especially enjoyed sitting in the squad car and operating the lights and siren.
Numberous bicycles and helmets were given away in a drawing. The bicycles and helmets were purchased with memorials for Dr. Jay Heitsman. Dr. Heitsman, a well-known pediatrician from Ottumwa, greatly enjoyed his work going above and beyond for his patients. He had a wonderful impact on generations of kids.
