Hes originally from Cincinnati. I think your culture and your upbringing have a lot more to do with how you lead than being Hispanic or African-American or white. What everyone can agree on is that the black bear roaming around South Lake Tahoe has become a problem. It sounds as if youre saying it really doesnt have a gigantic impact. Fresnos latest census, I think were looking at about 550,000. I have a tremendous amount of love, appreciation and admiration for all of the people in our Police Department who serve bravely and honorably every day, Balderrama said in a written statement released by the city of Oklahoma City. Aaron Jamal DudleyThe 41-year-old is charged with two counts of murder, according to authorities in Fresno, because his sister's unborn son . Balderrama, 44, has been an Oklahoma City police officer 22 years. It is my privilege to lead the men and women of one of the finest police departments in the nation. The Oklahoma City bombing by ex-Army soldier and white nationalist Timothy McVeigh claimed the lives of 168 people, including 19 children. And in reality, those things dont happen every day. Im kind of torn. Balderrama, 44, has been an Oklahoma City police officer 22 years. Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. You said the video of George Floyd gives people the impression that that behavior occurred often, even though those instances are pretty rare. I remember looking outside my classroomit was actually facing to the south, which was away from downtownand I remember thinking, Wow, theres not a cloud in the sky. As hes faced increased criticism from law enforcement, elected officials and his own staff, Los Angeles County Dist. By fatal crash burnett county In thomas sowell wife mary ash pictures. Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Balderrama has another opinion. Let them be on their way and you maintain a safe distance from them, CHP Valley Division spokesman Officer Eulogio Ceja said. The regions average home price has jumped a whopping 35% since 2020, to $875,000. And now with body worn cameras, which Im a huge proponent of, we can quickly figure out whether something happened or didnt and body worn camera cameras that the police officers are carrying actually protect police officers just as much as they do the public. Dyer, who won a March 2020 election for mayor he takes office in January was also involved in picking the new chief. The first thing you notice about Paco is his authenticity,said City Manager Quan. A Fresno police officer had his [] In January 2021 he began his tenure as the first Latino police chief of Fresno, Californias fifth-largest city. Dyer is now ready to take the oath as Fresno Mayor in January. News, Latest If people treat people like Ben Martin in any way that could be construed as lenient or indulgent, could it raise questions about whether the police are revealing a partisan political bias? Raised in El Paso, Texas, he moved with his family to Oklahoma City in 1993 and graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1995. ", Joined by his wife and twin brother at Monday's ceremony -- Balderrama spoke about the similarities Fresno and Oklahoma City share while admitting he was drawn to Fresno partly because of its diverse population, "Not just a big Hispanic population, but a big Hmong population, a big Asian population," he said. I dont know if shes trying to hit me or not, so I grab the flag. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. After talking to Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong and former Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, I now present my talk with Chief Paco Balderrama in Fresno. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. In fact, Chief Balderrama wasn't even aware of the case until after the video was released publicly . He and his family moved to Oklahoma City in 1993. ", "Deputy Chief Balderrama will be missed by the community and the department," said John George, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123. Times reporters explain what you should and shouldnt expect in the coming weeks. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. Most recently, Chief Balderrama led the Special Operations Bureau which includes the Criminal Intelligence, Major Violators, the Violent Crime Apprehension Team, Youth Services and Emergency Services. As Fresno County deals with the purple tier restrictions in the states COVID-19 reopening blueprint once again, the county and the City of Fresno are focussed on education before punishment. Together, along with city leadership and the support of the community, the Fresno Police Department will be the model for success not only in the Central Valley but in the State of California. Lufino Reyes Mejorado, 60, was killed Dec. 6 in a road rage shooting along Interstate 5 in Sacramento after an encounter with another driver that started several miles away on another freeway. George Gascon speaks in June 2021. Paco Balderrama Chief of Police A Message from the Chief I am excited and honored to have been sworn in as the 23rd Police Chief of the Fresno Police Department. Dyer called for greater collaboration in rejecting a measure that would let Fresno City Council members call the shots on which flags fly at Fresno City Hall. Its really about your upbringing more than it is about what your race is, Balderrama says. But, as far as being a police chief, that can engage with people to get them to stop committing crimes, its something thats part of my job. I think its also important to acknowledge the fact that police officers are human beings and there is a history of injustice, especially when you go back to the 60s and the 70s. Given the situation, Fitzgerald is not even sure if he wants to pursue further law enforcement work. Saturday's violence marked the second deadly officer-involved in Fresno in March. Paco Balderrama Police Chief at Fresno Police Department Fresno, California, United States 4K followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Fresno Police Department University of Central. We went and had coffee, and I basically said, Look, the way youre running the departments horrible. Paco Balderrama in Oklahoma City. In 2000, Chief Balderrama was named Rookie of the Year after his first full year of service in the Oklahoma City Police Department. early learning fresno unified . FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A week after former police chief Jerry Dyer was sworn in as mayor -- the City of Fresno welcomed Paco Balderrama as its new police chief Monday. Like his predecessor Dyer, Hall faced a mandatory retirement by April. N-Kya Rebecca Logan had just celebrated her baby shower two days before her brother allegedly stabbed her and her unborn child to death before setting her fire and dumping her in an alley Its about fairness. Previously, he served as a web editor for NBC New York and NBC Chicago. 01 May 2023 17:26:14 "I have enjoyed watching him becoming an innovative leader and be successful throughout his career," said Gourley. Justin Ray is a former Metro reporter who wrote the Essential California newsletter. Ukraine Flag Flies in Fresno. Im not even part of these guys anymore. Fresno Police Chief-select Paco Balderrama holds up a copy of recommendations from the Fresno Commission on Police Reform (GV Wire/Jahz Tello) Use of Deadly Force Balderrama says sometimes police have no choice but to use deadly force, but he is in favor of providing training to help reduce police shootings. I previously wrote a newsletter about Fresno Unifieds decision to keep law enforcement on campuses. Financials show how much has changed for the Dogs. And realistically, in order for me to make all the changes and improvements and enhancements that I want to make to the Fresno Police Department, thats about how long its going to take. He has many names: Yogi, Chunky, Hank the Tank, Jake. Yeah, that is definitely kind of an odd side topic when you consider our current interview. Ill be lucky to get a job in anything again, because all people have to do is Google my name, and the lies just start popping up, Fitzgerald said. For a decade, he was the face of the department, serving as Public Information Officer. Paco Balderrama, Fresno Police Chief, said, "As law enforcement and state and federal prosecutors continue to combat the devastating effects of fentanyl, we appreciate the partnership of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in this fight. Balderrama is currently the Deputy Chief at the Oklahoma City Police Department and was involved with the department for more than 20 years. Things got weird fast, Low wages, short hours drive many fast-food workers into homelessness, Virginia Gov. Ive grown to love the people who work for me, the members of this police department. Will Fitzgerald be able to get a job with a new law enforcement agency? Joshua Tehee covers breaking news for The Fresno Bee, writing on a wide range of topics from police, politics and weather, to arts and entertainment in the Central Valley. The suspect remained in custody Monday without bail, according to jail records. Once filled, Balderrama says his department will be the only large city police department in the US to be fully staffed. He Toppled Vince McMahon. And he also admitted that in looking around or talking to people he only had heard good things about me, but I guess that didnt matter.. Will it get $36 million back? Weather. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mass shooting leaves 3 women and 1 man dead in the Mojave Desert as detectives search for answers, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, Hollywood writers strike over streaming pay after talks fail. I havent met a single police chief around this country that has justified those actions, Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama says of the George Floyd case. 3/ @GavinNewsom @JimPatterson559 @casendems @MayorJerryDyer @Maxwell4Fresno @BalderramaPaco @CalMatters @FresnoBee @ABC30 Fresno's CRMC hospital ER is crowded with inmates from CA state prisons in area, & guards, who used to go to Madera Hospital. houseboats for sale in guntersville, alabama; "Chief Balderrama has that commitment and he has what it takes to be a great police chief.". The Fresno Police Department swore in 28 new officers, promoted 12 civilian staff members, and recognized four new sergeants and a new lieutenant in an emotionally moving ceremony Friday morning at Valdez Hall. The job of a police officer is extremely difficult, especially in these ever-changing times. When asked what the biggest misconception is about policing, Balderrama discussed George Floyds murder, a case of policing that has severely damaged the reputations of police nationwide. A Fresno police officer had his ear partially torn off while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect Thursday morning. . ), Decades of failures leave L.A. County facing up to $3 billion in sex abuse claims, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, Dating in L.A. is exhausting, so I asked a chatbot to flirt for me. Larry Satterwhite, Houston Police Department assistant chief. So my role there was different for many reasons. The outgoingOklahoma City deputy chief announced his departure to Fresno in a news release in that city. This is a prolific burglar and hes been arrested for vandalism, received stolen property and burglary.. What do you think is the biggest misconception when it comes to policing? He was OKCPD's longtime spokesman, seen often on television and quoted in print. Fresno Police Department Chief Paco Balderrama addressed the minor controversy of charges taking over three months to get pushed through, admitting that his department didn't appropriately handle the priority/classification of the case. JJCC Realignment Subcommittee Meeting Agenda - 3.14.2023; 2.23.23 JJCC Meeting Agenda It just is. And then another guy grabs the flag and pulls it from her. Public Securing. Modern policing is so much better than it used to be. Im kind of your model student and Im thinking to myself, What can I do in my career, in my life to make this community better, to protect those that cant protect themselves and to bring justice to those who have suffered injustice?. During his month-long leave, Fitzgerald had his FPOA lawyer approach Balderrama about the possibility of taking a medical retirement and leaving quietly. 630 likes, 6 comments - Fresno Police Department (@fresno.pd) on Instagram: "Earlier this week, Chief @paco_balderrama and members of the Fresno Police Department met . He was OKCPD's longtime spokesman, seen often on television and quoted in print. In January 2021 he began his tenure as the first Latino police chief of Fresno, California's fifth-largest city. He has been married to his wife, Kyla, for 11 years and has three children, Hayden (10), Jude (8), and Jenson (7). It is important to capitalize on this opportunity to make systematic improvements in the way we police and deal with members of our community. Daniel Gligich is a senior reporter for The San Joaquin Valley Sun. And California Dreamin is still a favorite song of mine. Balderrama, a 21-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD), will become the first Hispanic Police Chief in Fresno's history when he is sworn in on January 11, 2021. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? After high school graduation, both 18-year-old Paco and his twin brother Beto joined the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department as detention officers. He was promoted to major in 2017 and deputy chief in 2019, the first Latino to reach such a role in the city. Hall was the surprise selection as chief last year to replace the retiring Jerry Dyer. 174 likes, 1 comments - Fresno Police Department (@fresno.pd) on Instagram: "Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Police Department arrested nine drivers on suspicion of DUI while c." Fresno Police Department on Instagram: "Fresno, Calif. Opioid overdose 1st Responders @BroochOpioidEMS @Fresno_State @FresnoStateCHHS @FresnoCountyCA @FresnoSheriff @CAPublicHealth. Chief Balderrama has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and is a graduate of the 269th Session of the FBI National Academy in 2017. More than half of our agency is minorities, and we serve a very diverse community. (Please keep your story to 100 words.). A five-month investigation into violent criminal street gangs in Fresno County culminated, Thursday, with a "massive takedown" by 200 law enforcement personnel, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and 25 SWAT teams, said Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama. If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Today the @CityofFresno City Council & @MayorJerryDyer recognized Officer Lindsay Dozier on her enshrinement into the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. I dont have plans on going anywhere else. The police chief specifically brought up the video of Floyds murder. So Fresno is actually a very good place to be a police chief when you consider how much people appreciate law enforcement and first responders. Police said they used patrol cruisers to strike the suspect's car, which spun out of control near Herndon and Ingram avenues. Legendary Valley Thoroughbred Elected to Racing Hall of Fame, Collision Ends Smyly Perfect Game Bid, Cubs Top Dodgers 13-0, Latest When something does happen or when there are allegations, most police departments are going to act quickly to investigate and find out. We had a kind of a heart-to-heart conversation, and I basically told him, Look, you stop doing this because you claim to be pro-police, but yet youre causing us to focus all our resources on you and we need to be focused on violent crime. I basically warned him that if he did that again, he was going to go to jail. With the exception of domestic violence, total violent crime is down -12.7% year over year. Here's a look at the looming questions facing the San Joaquin Valley that may, or may not, be decided during Tuesday's California Primary. The off-duty Fresno officer, identified by the Fresno Bee as Rick Fitzgerald, was spotted in a livestreamed video posted by a former Proud Boy during a protest on Sunday. Sniffing out the cause and treatments for a rough allergy season, 3 people shot at apartment complex in Hanford, police say, 2 bodies found behind gas station in Tulare, police say. And if we would have taken the time to explain it, we wouldnt have had an issue. At the time, Hall was deputy chief, nearing the end of his 40-year career with Fresno police. In 1999, both men decided to become police officers. Aaron Dudley, 41, has been arrested on two murder charges for allegedly stabbing to death his sister, 26-year-old N'Kya Logan, who was 36 weeks pregnant with a son, and then setting her body on fire inside a trash bin. They can basically know every nook and cranny in that area that they're patrolling," said Chief Paco Balderrama. If you have a But frankly, Ive made a commitment to our mayor, this community and most importantly, to the members of this police department that Im going to stay here long-term. The last question I want to ask is that when you first started your tenure, you told The Fresno Bee that you wanted to be there for 10 years. Fitzgerald maintained that he had no black marks on his record during his 18 years with the police force. Mortgage Fees Increase Today. He was born in El Paso, Texas, but spent his early years living with his grandmother in Chihuahua, Mexico, according to The Fresno Bee. Instructor, and Public Information Officer. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Fresno coroner identifies her, Best NFL draft in years for the Las Vegas Raiders? The incident did not take place in California. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. He adds, "A lot of people don't come to this area because of that. Once the suspect was under control, colleagues saw the officer bleeding from the head area and noticed his right ear was partially torn off, Trueba Vega said. He has not hired an attorney to pursue litigation yet, but he said there are many lawyers who seem very interested in taking on the case. They can basically know every nook and cranny in that area that they're patrolling," said Chief Paco Balderrama. As part of a collaborative effort, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni, Fresno County Probation Chief Kirk Haynes and Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama have secured a $38,500 grant for the Boys & Girl Clubs of Fresno County . Mayor Lee Brand and City Manager Wilma Quan today announced that Juan F. Paco Balderrama will be Fresnos next Chief of Police at a virtual press conference held at Police Headquarters. Local So its been very frustrating for the victims and for police to see this. And there are people who are watching how this is playing out, and theyre just like, What are these guys doing?, We have guys who have literally killed people in the department Dylan Noble comes to mind and they got due process and retained their jobs. Dyer Says War Refugees Welcome Here. Atty. Update: Merced County deputy hurt, suspect killed after shots are fired in Winton, Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run collision in Fresno. 1. He's just happy to have his stories read. Never a fan of Chicago weather, that was the last straw for me. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. Rather than arresting him, you decided to meet with Martin and encourage him to stop harming businesses. Even though being the FOP and being him being a chief, obviously we dont always agree eye to eye. The explosion reduced the structure and the surrounding area to rubble. Paco achieved the rank of sergeant. We are thrilled to welcome Paco and his family to our great city and we know that he will meet the task of leading our police department with grace and humility.. I basically told my lawyer, I said, Look, this is unfair. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Despite 24-hour private security and surveillance cameras -- in and around his shop-- Cali Blue Jeans Owner Adel Masswadi says keeping crime away from his shop has been a constant battle. Theres more accountability, there is more transparency, theres more truth than there ever has been. 2020 was a landmark year for law enforcement across our nation. You know, those things are actually pretty rare, especially in 2021, when theres so much more and better accountability in law enforcement., He also said of the Floyd case: I havent met a single police chief around this country that has justified those actions. So thats kind of a side story altogether. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). As a deputy chief, he has overseen the Special Operations Bureau. You were criticized for your soft handling of Benjamin Martin. Its Election Day. My interview with him was . Sources tell Action News that Balderrama is already in the area looking for a home. Balderrama is currently the Deputy Chief at the Oklahoma City Police Department and was involved with the department for more than 20 years. No one is sure. He worked at the police department there for 22 years. 39 likes, 6 comments - West Fresno Boys & Girls Club (@westfresnobgc) on Instagram: "A special day at West Fresno Boys & Girls Club, as we were grateful to celebrate within our clubh . "I'll always have an image in my mind of Paco on the front lines, shaking hands with protestors and talking with them," said Mayor of Oklahoma City David Holt. Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, center, is flanked by City Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld, left, Mike Karbassi and Tyler Maxwell, right, as he addresses the city council's unanimous vote on . Fitzgerald was placed on administrative leave on March 14 after allegations surfaced on social media connecting Fitzgerald to the group. But he and I are different individuals, so we have a different leadership style. Six men were fatally shot in eight days, police said. Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Coronavirus cases are falling, but it would be a mistake to think that the pandemic is over, experts say. "Our citys Latino community came of age just as Paco was rising up the ranks of our Police Department," Holt said. An eighth candidate was scheduled for an interview but withdrew from the process. He was known as a calming force during Oklahoma City protests over racial injustice. And the fact that they tried to make this of such an emergent nature that they had to get rid of me now like Im some kind of danger its all political. Fresno civil jury says itll cost $800,000, Bandit hits two Fresno banks within minutes, police say, Second woman in tent hit by fleeing DUI suspect dies. Im not Im a centrist just by nature, and I dont believe in any extreme ideologies. That meeting made something clear to Fitzgerald: His future with the department which he has nearly two decades of experience with was already decided well before the investigation concluded. Balderrama was also involved in the Oklahoma community as a former board member of the Latino Community Development Agency and the Wes Welker Foundation. Fresno Police Chief, Paco Balderrama . If you consider this to be a misconception, what actions do you think you can take to address that misconception? So before I came to Fresno, I was the deputy chief in Oklahoma City, which is actually a larger city than Fresno; its about 650,000 , give or take. Latest The only time Fitzgerald talked to someone with the department in an official capacity was when he received the phone call regarding his release. The actions that we can take is, number one, to acknowledge the incident to begin with. According to his bio, he has served as patrol officer, field training officer (FTO), IMPACT officer, D.A.R.E. Hall has said he will stay if requested, to help with the transition. Their donation of $36,000 to The Fresno Police Chief's Foundation will be He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. And we actually reviewed the video and what you said occurred, didnt occur, and usually the phone would hang up quickly. Capital and Main, California Highway Patrol speaks out amid road rage incidents. It has been clear from the start of this process that the residents of Fresno want a chief who can make dramatic changes, build trust in the community, and improve public safety for everyone andI believe we have found that leader in Paco Balderrama,said Mayor Brand. Previously, he served as a web editor for NBC New York and NBC Chicago. Current Chief of Police Andrew Hall will officially retire on January 15, 2021. It is my privilege to lead the men and women of one of the finest police departments in the nation. Glenn Youngkin rules out presidential campaign while in California, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Sophie Turner accidentally posts video of her and Joe Jonas kid: An honest mistake, A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? Late last year, I spoke with Balderrama about misconceptions about policing, how being a person of color does (and doesnt) impact the way he does his job, and a controversial moment in his tenure involving a protestor. But in reality, theyve turned out to hurt our community and a zero dollar bail is one of them. I have found that theres a lot of support for law enforcement in the Central Valley. By Web Staff Click here for updates on this story PHARR, Texas (KRGV) A teenager is dead and a driver faces an intoxication manslaughter charge after a vehicle crashed into a Pharr apartment . According to the Fresno Police Department, Chief Paco Balderrama along with representatives from local and federal law enforcement agencies held a press conference Wednesday afternoon detailing the arrest Lewis, who had $2,084 in his pocket, was carrying a backpack while running from police officers. And after that, guess what? I was excited to include his voice in this series because he offers a different take that I think is provocative. Juan Francisco Balderrama, 44 Paco is his nickname comes from Oklahoma City with more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. Email him at daniel.gligich@sjvsun.com. Paco Balderrama is Fresnos next police chief. He is Fresno's 22nd chief and the first of Hispanic . While serving in that position, his most controversial moment might have been taking a soft approach to an anti-masking protester. The bombings began Dec. 13 with an explosion in a car parked near Fresno airport. Low wages, short hours drive many fast-food workers into homelessness, Virginia Gov. George could not recall even a controversy regarding Balderrama. Paco served as a captain and spokesperson for the department. Chief Paco Balderrama, Deputy Chief Mark Salazar, and m." Fresno Police Department on Instagram: "This morning was a very special morning. The officer was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where he was reported to be in stable condition. Ive done that. Here are the big questions in the Valleys biggest races. Last month, Balderrama said he is focused on two things: community trust and community safety. . His new bail is $155,000. This is in addition to the Bike Units that you've seen downtown or at various community events. There was a story in the paper criticizing me just for sitting down and dealing with this person. We did see the officer suffered a pretty severe laceration to the ear, Balderrama said. He was shot once in chest, Stop ended with Livingston officer firing shot, suspect committing suicide, authorities say. News Los Angeles Times. Fresno Council Chambers Reopened to Public, Mayor Says, Fresno Businesses Push State for Help With Worker Shortage, 'Every Police Dept. Categorias . You said that police cameras protect the police. Diana Trueba Vega. Now we havent reached the pinnacle of being the most diverse agency in the country yet because we still have some room to grow: we need to hire more females in particular, wed like to see more Asian and Pacific Islander police officers. Paco Balderrama, who was heavily involved in community outreach on behalf of the Oklahoma City Police Department, served as the department's first Hispanic deputy chief, and was the face of the department during a tenure as spokesman, has been named chief of police in Fresno, California. He did require his ear to be sutured back.. Leadership is leadership, and I can tell you that to be a good leader, you just have to be very focused on the mission. But I promise you that policing has improved so much, especially in those areas of use of force and of equality. The officer gave chase and tackled the man. Now Eric Bischoff to Tell Story in Fresno. Well, the system is letting them out, sometimes within hours. Although its not easy to leave this city and department that I have called home for over two decades, a new challenge and opportunity await my family and me in Fresno, which Im very excited to begin, as reported KOCO News. "We did see the officer suffered a pretty severe laceration to the ear," Balderrama said . 481 likes, 26 comments - Fresno Police Department (@fresno.pd) on Instagram: "Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama and Fresno Fire Department Chief Kerri Donis are holding a pr . He handles the public extremely well. Larry Esquivel, former police chief of San Jose and Tracy. early learning fresno unified. I would like to think that used to being part of a group that a part of America hates, but not everybody, is not as bad as actually killing somebody. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week.
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