Paco Balderrama, age 47, resigned as Fresno Police Chief on Tuesday due to an inappropriate relationship with a fellow officer’s wife. City Manager Georgeanne White confirmed that Balderrama’s resignation would be effective on July 25, without any severance package.
| Paco Balderrama Wikipedia | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Police Officer. |
| Age | 47. |
| Birth Date | 1976. |
| Lives in | Fresno, California. |
| Gender | Male. |
| Ethnicity | American. |
| Relationship | |
| Wife | Kyla Balderrama. |
| Kids | Hayden Balderrama. Jude Balderrama. Jensen Balderrama. |
| Education | |
| Masters | University of Central Oklahoma. |
| Alumni | FBI National Academy. |
The controversy arose when it was alleged that Balderrama had denied Officer Jordan Wamhoff a promotion to continue a two-year affair with Wamhoff’s wife, who is also a Madera County Board of Supervisor. Although city officials did not directly mention Wamhoff, they acknowledged the affair involving an officer’s wife.
Mayor Jerry Dyer, while recognizing Balderrama’s achievements, stated that his resignation was necessary to maintain public trust amid intense media scrutiny. Despite investigations finding no abuse of power, Chief Balderrama’s departure was seen as crucial to upholding the Fresno Police Department’s integrity and community confidence.
Balderrama Applied for the Chief Position in Austin
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Paco Balderrama applied for the chief’s job in Austin before the June 10 deadline, just four days after news of his investigation became public. Mayor Jerry Dyer remains optimistic about Balderrama’s future prospects as a police chief in another city, despite the recent controversy. Dyer said, “I believe he has the potential to be hired elsewhere as a chief, and I think he’ll pursue another police chief’s job in the future.”
Balderrama’s Career with the Oklahoma City Police Department
Paco Balderrama served over 20 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD), rising to the rank of deputy chief. In January 2021, he became Fresno’s 23rd police chief, making history as the first Hispanic chief and the first external hire in almost 30 years. When he started, Fresno’s police force was short-staffed and facing recruitment challenges. Mayor Lee Brand appointed him, alongside former Chief Jerry Dyer, and he began his role in January 2021.
Early on, Balderrama focused on reducing gang violence, which he linked to a large portion of Fresno’s 2020 homicides. He emphasized improving public safety, saying, “My main goal is to make the city safer for everyone.” He also addressed issues caused by long-term officer absences by launching an internal unit to review workers’ compensation claims.
Throughout 2021, Balderrama started implementing changes recommended by Fresno’s Commission on Police Reform. These included updating policies on how officers use force, speeding up investigations into officer conduct, making it easier for residents to report complaints about officers, and increasing the number of women in the police force. He also reorganized or disbanded task forces like those for transit, homelessness, and recycling, with homeless assistance now managed under the mayor’s office.
He publicly acknowledged mistakes, including mishandling the investigation of a former Fresno Unified school principal accused in June 2022 of hitting a special-needs student, a case that gained attention in September 2022 after media reports.
Paco Balderrama’s Early Career
Paco Balderrama was born in 1976 and started his law enforcement career at 18 as a detention officer with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. He has a Master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and graduated from the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. In 1999, at 22, he joined the OKCPD and won the Rookie of the Year Award in his first year. Balderrama served 22 years at OKCPD, becoming the first Hispanic Deputy Chief at 42. On January 11, 2021, he became Fresno’s 23rd Chief of Police.
He held various roles like Field Training Officer, Bike Unit Officer, Narcotics Officer, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and Public Information Officer. He was also on the SWAT Team for three years and taught self-defense and Spanish at the police academy. As a supervisor, he worked in Bike Patrol, the Truancy Unit, the FACT Gang Prevention Program, and the Bilingual Unit. As a Captain, he led Investigations – Property Crimes, the OCPD Cadet Program, the Wellness Program, the OCPD Honor Guard, and the Office of Media Relations.
Balderrama’s Personal Life
Paco Balderrama married his wife, Kyla Balderrama, on May 17, 2009. Kyla has worked as an educational consultant at IXL Learning and Rosetta Stone since July 2023. They have three children: Hayden, Jude, and Jensen Balderrama. Their relationship has attracted media attention due to allegations of Paco’s inappropriate off-duty relationship.
Paco Balderrama FAQs
Ques: What is Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama’s age?
Ans: Balderrama is 47 years old.
Ques: Who is Paco Balderrama’s wife?
Ans: Kyla Balderrama.
Ques: Why did Paco Balderrama resign?
Ans: Balderrama resigned over inappropriate relationship allegations.
