An experienced Latino cop from 44 years was appointed as head of the department on Monday
Photo: Roger Hornback / Getty Images
By: EFE
Friday, September 20
Hispano makes history by being named Fresno Police Chief
Juan Francisco Balderrama made history on Monday as the first Latino to become chief of the Fresno, California Police Department , the fifth most populous city of the state, where almost half of the population is Hispanic.
Balderrama, of 44 years, took the oath Monday in his post ensuring that he will focus on establishing trust in the community to bring security to the area.
Mayor of Fresno, Jerry Dyer, said that “ Balderrama has what it takes to lead the Department during these turbulent times
“In my experience, the higher you go, the smaller you feel. You feel this small because you feel the pressure of responsibility and the lives of the people affected by your decision, and that is something that I take very seriously, “said the new police chief in this regard.
The City of Fresno has more than 530, 000 population, 49. 6% of them Latino , according to data from the Census Bureau July 2019. The area is the epicenter of rural communities in the center of the state.
Balderrama forged his experience as a police officer in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, where he moved from El Paso, Texas, where he grew up.
After Upon graduation, he and his twin brother worked for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department for four years as detention officers. In 1999, the brothers joined the Police Department from Oklahoma City.
Balderrama , who speaks Spanish, served as captain and spokesman for the Department. He was promoted to Commander in 2017 and Deputy Chief in 2019, being the first Latino to reach that position in the city.
In his speech message to the community, Balderrama said in Spanish that it will be an honor to be the chief of police, and that he will do everything to maintain the streets secure .
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