The Le Mars city council unanimously approved appointing Interim Police Chief Justin Daale as the city’s next Chief of Police during yesterday’s council meeting, with Mayor Rob Bixenman administering the oath of office to Daale immediately following the appointment. Speaking to KLEM, Chief Daale says he’s excited for the opportunity to lead the department full-time.
Daale was appointed on an interim basis on May 5th, after outgoing Chief Kevin Vande Vegte retired after 9 years heading the department. After interviews took place for the position late last month, the Public Safety Committee recommended to Mayor Bixenman that Daale be appointed full-time. Daale says his time as Interim Chief helped to familiarize him with leading the department.
Daale says he hopes to focus on transparency and communication during his time as Police Chief.
Two new officers, Noe Ybarra and Spencer Stoeffler, were also sworn in prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
