Mayors Plan to Grow City and Airport? Fresno Police Department on Instagram: "Fresno Police Chief Paco Hes a very good communicator. Its been a pleasure to work with him over the last few years, George said. It will be open for public comment from March 7, 2023 until May 3, 2023. . The City of Fresno Police Department is applying for an Off-Highway Vehicle grant through the State of California Natural Resources Agency and the Department of Parks and Recreation. He has been arrested at least five times in the last two weeks, for property crimes, burglaries and felony vandalism. Special Needs Grade School Student Violently Shoved To The Ground When you look at the Fresno Police Department in particular, were one of the most diverse agencies in the country. Pregnant Woman Dead After Being Stabbed and Set on Fire Days After Baby Shower, Brother in Custody. 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 . Yeah, that is definitely kind of an odd side topic when you consider our current interview. If youre a fan of this newsletter, youll love our daily podcast The Times, hosted every weekday by columnist Gustavo Arellano, along with reporters from across our newsroom. I think at the bare minimum you at least have to let the process play out, Fitzgerald said. Public Securing. He has been arrested at least five times in the last two weeks, for property crimes, burglaries and felony vandalism. CNN - Regional Archives - Page 1019 of 1032 - ABC17NEWS JJCC Realignment Subcommittee Meeting Agenda - 3.14.2023; 2.23.23 JJCC Meeting Agenda You said the video of George Floyd gives people the impression that that behavior occurred often, even though those instances are pretty rare. On April 19, 1995, a teen in Oklahoma City was sitting in history class when he heard a rumble outside the window. He was shot once in chest, Stop ended with Livingston officer firing shot, suspect committing suicide, authorities say. It's about the actual issues so you're going to get a person who is very frank and very outspoken," said Raul Font, who heads the Latino Community Development Agency in OKC and was also Balerrama's high school principal. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Dont make eye contact. Weather. He stopped. Chief Paco Balderrama on Twitter: "Today the @CityofFresno City Council Incoming Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderramas 2017 presentation to University of OklahomasInstitute for the Study of Human Flourishing. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Balderrama moved to Oklahoma City while still in school. Change doesnt happen overnight and especially to change of culture. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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. Wheres thunder coming from? Paco Balderrama recalls. Hes always willing to sit down to see if theres a good solution to the problem. The actions that we can take is, number one, to acknowledge the incident to begin with. Brand vowed to select another new chief. They were criminal and evil in nature, and its important to acknowledge that. life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1. The police chief specifically brought up the video of Floyds murder. April 23, 2023. Chief Paco Balderrama, Deputy Chief Mark Salazar, and many other members of the Fresno Police Department participated in the installation ceremony of the Officer Phia Vang Memorial Interchange. Fitzgerald maintained that he had no black marks on his record during his 18 years with the police force. 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. In 2021, the total number of homicides in Stockton was 39, according to police department data. Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama identified the suspect as 31-year-old Willis Monroe Randolph. News, California 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. 47 are arrested in California crackdown on violent gangs I mean, the reason why we talked the first time was about how students of color were disproportionately being disciplined in schools. fresno ca mugshots. The Fresno Police Department will always strive to be open, transparent, and work hand-in-hand with the community to ensure our citizens are heard and valued. Calif. Woman Accused of Killing Her Sister and 3-Week-Old Niece fresno police log. Categorias . early learning fresno unified It sounds as if youre saying it really doesnt have a gigantic impact. And so I found that a lot of times those body worn cameras actually protect police officers as individuals, and in some cases we have started investigations because of things that we see on body worn cameras: either use of force incidents or or inappropriate language or something else that we saw in the video that we could go back and investigate. No, they didnt. This is a prolific burglar and hes been arrested for vandalism, received stolen property and burglary.. Strike worries grow as Fresno Unified, teachers cant settle on negotiation method, Valadaos sweeping water legislation advances out of committee, Nikki Haley calls for Feinstein to resign, Dyer tenders first veto, knocks down flag policy. You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email. One man shot after brawl at Fresno park. She starts doing something with it. He joined in 2020 from Columbia Journalism Review, where he grew the magazines digital audience as a digital media editor. Its really about your upbringing more than it is about what your race is. They were criminal and evil in nature, and its important to acknowledge that.. He is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Citys Class IX and is a board member of The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, the University of Central Oklahoma Criminal Justice Program Advisory Board, and Good Shepard Clinic. 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. Opioid overdose 1st Responders on Twitter: "@healthyfresnoco @Fresno 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. I completely empathize with it, because Ive been in law enforcement for so long, seeing how things have changed for the better. Hes great in the community, very community oriented, George said. 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. Police Department | Chief's Message - Fresno He worked at the police department there for 22 years. 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. Balderrama said Randolph was arrested at least eight times in April. He was born in El Paso, Texas, but spent his early years living with his grandmother in Chihuahua, Mexico, according to The Fresno Bee. He was known as a calming force during Oklahoma City protests over racial injustice. Despite a nationwide search, Mayor Lee Brand chose Hall even though he did not apply for the job. John George, president of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police the police union said they will miss Balderrama. "We did see the officer suffered a pretty severe laceration to the ear," Balderrama said . Was there anything different about the role than what you initially expected? After graduating in 1968, I moved to the Bay Area to attend law school and have been here ever since. Fresno's new police chief will be sworn into office on Monday. Thats you, not us. I fell in love with the Bay Area and after returning home, I felt wistful when I heard the Mamas and the Papas singing California Dreamin on the radio. So its very unfortunate.. PDF Multi-agency Partnership to Reduce Impact of Traumat Ic Childhood Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama identified the suspect as 31-year-old Willis Monroe Randolph. The fact of the matter is, that type of legislation actually helped release a lot of violent criminals to re-offend and make it very difficult for police officers to do their jobs. I think keep given people fair warning is the fair thing to do. Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. George Gascon speaks in June 2021. -Michaela. Balderrama, a 21-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD), will become the first Hispanic Police Chief in Fresnos history when he is sworn in on January 11, 2021. "It's not about the ethnicity. Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing. Malik Aziz, Dallas Police Department major. Balderrama, 44, has been an Oklahoma City police officer 22 years. Fresno coroner identifies her, Best NFL draft in years for the Las Vegas Raiders? Now, Fitzgerald is looking to take legal action against the City of Fresno, likely in the form of a wrongful termination suit. The Oklahoma City bombing by ex-Army soldier and white nationalist Timothy McVeigh claimed the lives of 168 people, including 19 children. But, you know, hindsight being 20-20, I accomplished what I wanted: to keep this person from shutting down stores costing money to these business owner owners and causing the police department to focus their resources on dealing with him. 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. He will be missed, but I am confident those he has developed around him will step up to meet any challenge ahead.. What do you make of that whole situation in hindsight? A Fresno police officer had his [] So, initially, I did have a meeting with him. A Fresno police officer had his ear partially torn off while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect Thursday morning. World, Latest Low wages, short hours drive many fast-food workers into homelessness, Virginia Gov. Its about fairness. The 44-year-old comes to Fresno by way of Oklahoma City, where he served as Deputy Chief. I dont want to say any names, but there are people who want to talk to me, Fitzgerald said. George could not recall even a controversy regarding Balderrama. 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. As part of a collaborative effort, Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama joined Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni, and Fresno County Probation Chief Kirk Haynes to secure a $38,500 grant for the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County. FRESNO COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DONATE TO LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS 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 . Pregnant Woman Stabbed to Death and Set on Fire, Police Arrest Brother His battles with the church arent over, How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! 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. And we actually reviewed the video and what you said occurred, didnt occur, and usually the phone would hang up quickly. OKCPD's first Hispanic deputy chief named police chief in Fresno Fresno Co., city focusing on COVID-19 rules education over punishment, $60mil Bulldog Stadium overhaul gets first greenlight amid financing shifts. He was promoted to deputy chief in April 2019, a few months before Wade Gourley succeeded Bill Citty as police chief. On the same note, weve had a lot of situations where allegations were made. They would just close the store instead of deal with the legal complexities of keeping people out of stores for masks. Balderrama is leaving Oklahoma City with high praise. Sources tell Action News that Balderrama is already in the area looking for a home. There were false allegations and especially when body worn cameras were brand new, we would get calls and we would get very outlandish accusations and we would go back and we would review the video and we would either disprove it or just figure out that it completely didnt happen. 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? 29 Apr 2023 00:03:18 "I have enjoyed watching him becoming an innovative leader and be successful throughout his career," said Gourley. He will be officially introduced to the media and city staff at a 2 p.m. virtual news conference. Fresnos First Latino Police Chief Introduced to Community. Sydney Kamlager, a state senator representing Los Angeles, introduced legislation to increase gate money, which are funds that people released from state prisons are given from $200 to nearly $2,600. The incoming chief attended the University of Central Oklahoma and has a Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He has held leadership positions in a variety of community groups. If theyre trying to pass you, let them pass. And I feel like its just Jerry wanting to make himself look good.. He was bleeding profusely. 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. ", "Deputy Chief Balderrama will be missed by the community and the department," said John George, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123. 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. In 1999, the Balderrama brothers joined the Oklahoma City Police Department. Hes going to be OK. His assignments have included Operations Administration, Uniform Support and Investigations. Larry Satterwhite, Houston Police Department assistant chief. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Its going to take some time. Fresno St., Valley natives sign to NFL teams. City leaders say Balderrama -- who becomes the department's first Latino Police Chief -- was the clear top candidate for the job. 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. The way you do special units is no good. 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. In fact, he had been released from Fresno County Jail earlier Thursday. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. He was born in El Paso, Texas, but spent his early years living with his grandmother in Chihuahua, Mexico, according to The Fresno Bee. . Paco Balderrama is Fresnos next police chief. I havent met a single police chief around this country that has justified those actions. But I promise you that policing has improved so much, especially in those areas of use of force and of equality. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. No one is sure. Fresno leaders propose fines, jail for anyone watching street racing That type of senseless act of violence just changes your perspective, Balderrama says. Ive done that. My job is to keep the peace in this community, and I met with Ben Martin because I wanted him to stop creating chaos in our community. It is important to capitalize on this opportunity to make systematic improvements in the way we police and deal with members of our community. Crime In fact, Chief Balderrama wasn't even aware of the case until after the video was released publicly . Communication is essential towards building public trust. You were criticized for your soft handling of Benjamin Martin. But in reality, theyve turned out to hurt our community and a zero dollar bail is one of them. He handles the public extremely well. I dont know if shes trying to hit me or not, so I grab the flag. Today the @CityofFresno City Council & @MayorJerryDyer recognized Officer Lindsay Dozier on her enshrinement into the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. He had been scheduled to meet with the officer conducting the internal affairs investigation on Monday, but he was fired before it took place, leaving him without an opportunity to plead his case. Fresno police Chief Paco Balderrama called the Proud Boys a "hate group." Create your free profile or log in to save this article April 9, 2021, 4:58 PM PDT By Dennis Romero A California. Today I bring you the final installment of my series of discussions with police chiefs of color in California. Rick Fitzgerald - the former Fresno Police Officer who was fired last Friday for his previous ties to the Proud Boys - alleged that Police Chief Paco Balderrama expedited his termination over public relations concerns before an internal affairs investigation into his conduct could be completed. 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. New Fresno police chief Paco Balderrama sworn in Monday The only time Fitzgerald talked to someone with the department in an official capacity was when he received the phone call regarding his release. But its also important to acknowledge just how far weve progressed as a career path. So theyre basically saying that I stole this girls flag and the Sacramento PDs investigating you, but Im like, Theres a video showing I didnt, so either youre woefully ignorant or youre just horrible investigators.. 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. I believe in five to 10 years, Fresno is going to be a much different place and if I can play a small role in it, that's a life and a career well lived.". Legendary Valley Thoroughbred Elected to Racing Hall of Fame, Collision Ends Smyly Perfect Game Bid, Cubs Top Dodgers 13-0, Latest 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. But theyre acting like Im running around burning crosses, or whatever the hell they think those guys do. I said, Look, Im going to fight this. Mayor Dyer believes Balderrama has what it takes to lead the force during these challenging times, "I know what a great police chief looks like, and I know the commitment it takes in order to be a great police chief," Dyer said. According to his bio, he has served as patrol officer, field training officer (FTO), IMPACT officer, D.A.R.E. A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? You said that police cameras protect the police. So what theyre saying is I stole the flag from her and that is probably why they had to fire me, because they have a stipulation that if you are caught committing a crime, they can do the emergency termination. Unlike America's Other Big Cities, Fresno Now Fields Its Largest Police Instructor, and Public Information Officer. The culturally rich and flourishing Fresno community is deserving of a professional, highly competent, and engaging police department. Sports, Crime Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services, Long-Range Plans and the Development Code, Fresno Grizzlies Tickets and Skybox Policy, Apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit CCW, Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF), Public Works: Streets, Lights, Landscape, & Construction. 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. As your chief of police, I make the commitment to build and maintain public trust while partnering with the community to make Fresno a safer place to live. It was not a single other store moving forward that was shut down by him or his group. 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. Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services, Long-Range Plans and the Development Code, Fresno Grizzlies Tickets and Skybox Policy, Apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit CCW, Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF), Public Works: Streets, Lights, Landscape, & Construction. Should Mirror Its Community': Paco Balderrama Named Fresno Police Chief, Tulare Man Convicted on 20 Counts of Molesting Two Girls and a Boy, Big Raises for SCCCD Part-Time Faculty 'A Really Good First Step, But Just The First Step', Bud Light Sales Fall 26% as Transgender Backlash Worsens, Speaker Kevin McCarthy Blasts Russia Over 'Killing of the Children' in Ukraine. 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 Every promotion he received drew attention because Balderrama was the highest-ranking Latino officer in the department's 130-year history. 1. Randolph faces felony charges of burglary, resisting arrest and committing a felony while out on bail. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1. 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.. So its been very frustrating for the victims and for police to see this. George says it will be a big loss for Oklahoma Citys Hispanic community. So my role there was different for many reasons. And its interesting to notice that after I had this meeting with him, there were no more stores shut down. 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. While the city engaged with the public in several meetings in 2019 in what qualities they sought in a chief, the 2020 selection was not public. That alleged robbery gave Balderrama the ability to execute an emergency termination. He and his family moved to Oklahoma City in 1993. According to GV Wire sources who could not speak publicly because of personnel policies, the city interviewed seven semifinalists. And now, heres whats happening across California: Note: Some of the sites we link to may limit the number of stories you can access without subscribing. How does your race impact your style of policing and how is it different from that of your white predecessors or colleagues? He seems to care about the troops a lot. For our community, it is important to share that our detectives have been working tirelessly on these cases and believe that none of the homicides are related to each other, the Stockton police department said. So it gives people the impression that that type of behavior occurs a hundred times a day, every day. 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. Paco Balderrama Police Chief My interview with him was actually the second time we had spoken. Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. 1. Times reporters explain what you should and shouldnt expect in the coming weeks. I cant stop saying uncujams. So I said, When you talk to the chief, just let him know that Ill go quietly, just give me a medical retirement because I have more than enough paperwork to accomplish that, and I wont be that voice. And the chief said, Well if hes got a case for it, then let him file for it. And then of course on Friday before I could even do that, they said, Youre terminated.. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Andy Hall was named Interim Chief after Jerry Dyer retired. We wish him the very best in his new position.". There were 62 citations for aiding and abetting . Update: Merced County deputy hurt, suspect killed after shots are fired in Winton, Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run collision in Fresno. fresno police log It just is. 3 de dezembro de 2020. His successor, Paco Balderrama, also has a twin brother Beto who is a captain in the Oklahoma City Police Department. All Rights Reserved. Hall was the surprise selection as chief last year to replace the retiring Jerry Dyer. What Im saying is that there are so many more measures of accountability where police, supervisors and executives are able to identify those instances and those individuals and weed them out and youll get them out of law enforcement and retrain them or whatever else.