Oklahoma City deputy police chief named Fresno police chief

During a ceremony at Oklahoma City Police headquarters Thursday morning, April 11, 2019, Major Paco Balderrama made history when Chief Bill Citty formally promoted him to the rank of deputy chief, making him the first Hispanic to earn that rank in the department’s history. Balderrama is a 20-year veteran of the department and has held various assignments during his time with OCPD. In 2000, Balderrama received the “Rookie of the Year” award after his first full year as a police officer. He has lived in Oklahoma City since 1993 and graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1995. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A longtime Oklahoma City police officer and administrator has been named police chief in Fresno, California. Deputy Chief Paco Balderrama was announced on Tuesday as the new chief of the California city.

Oklahoma City said in a news release that Balderrama is a 22-year veteran who currently heads the department’s special operations unit. He’s also a former public information officer.

Balderrama was the first Hispanic deputy chief of the Oklahoma City Police Department and becomes the first Hispanic police chief of Fresno. Balderrama will be sworn in on January 11th and replaces retiring Police Chief Andrew Hall.