Deputy Chief Paco Balderrama, a 22-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department, has been hired as the new police chief in Fresno, Calif.
“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,” said Balderrama, 44, who starts in Fresno on Jan. 11. “Law enforcement is without a doubt a difficult calling, and their many sacrifices shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Balderrama may be most widely known in the Oklahoma City community for his work in the Police Department’s Office of Media Relations, where he was a longtime spokesman seen often on television and quoted in print. He currently oversees the Special Operations Bureau, and has previously worked in Operations, Uniform Support, Police Community Relations, Investigations, Special Operations and Operations Administration.
“I have worked with Deputy Chief Balderrama since the day he joined the Police Department. I have enjoyed watching him becoming an innovative leader and be successful throughout his career,” said Police Chief Wade Gourley. “He will be missed, but I am confident those he has developed around him will step up to meet any challenge ahead.”
Balderrama, whose twin brother Beto is also an OKC officer, is a longtime Oklahoma City resident with leadership positions in a variety of community groups. He has a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“Paco has been a strong leader in the Police Department and in our community. I appreciate his selfless service to our residents and I’m sad to lose him. I’m proud his accomplishments are being recognized with this new leadership opportunity. Paco helps those around him improve, and I’m better for knowing him,” said City Manager Craig Freeman.
Read more about Balderrama and Oklahoma City’s other Deputy Chiefs here on okc.gov. Balderrama’s replacement will be promoted to Deputy Chief from the rank of Major.
Read more about the Fresno Police Department at fresno.gov/police.