Earlier this week, OKC Deputy Police Chief Paco Balderrama – the Emily Sutton of the Oklahoma City law enforcement scene – was named the new Police Chief of the Fresno (Ca.) Police Department.
The news comes as a shock to local TV news viewers across the metro who had been charmed by Paco’s good looks and calm demeanor from back when he was the police department’s PIO. It especially rattled the Nichols Hills housewives scene, who always looked forward to seeing Paco on the news while day drinking wine spritzers on their patios.
In fact, back in 2014, he was the first – and I believe only – metro man to be named in our short-lived and experimental Hot Dude Monday series.
Here’s what Louis Fowler had to say at the time:
“With his glistening biceps and triceps that threaten to break free of those tight grey polyester sleeves, like a cross between a mighty Aztec Warrior and an angry Bruce Banner, Balderrama has been welcomed back to Oklahoma City news screens throughout this past month with open arms; whether it be identifying suspects in a feisty weekend shootout or (I imagine) chopping wood shirtless in his rural cabin in the Arbuckles, he’s reinvigorated and reignited the public’s imagination as to what cologne his neck must smell like or what it’s like to be his best friend.”
You can check out the whole thing here if you want. If we get five new TLO Members enrolled today, I’ll place the article outside the paywall so everyone, including Paco, can read it and cry.
Lots of people are wondering if there are any outside or political reasons as to why Paco left. I’m sure there could be, but I doubt it. Paco seems to be very well-liked both inside and outside the police office, and this does seem to be a good career move. Fresno is a tad smaller than OKC, but he gets to be the chief! Even if you’re a Libertarian, you have to admit it would be fun to be that powerful for a day. Plus, he’s going to make $220,000 a year and gets to move out of Oklahoma! I know Fresno isn’t Sunset Boulevard, but I’d take it in a heartbeat.
probably the coolest name in Oklahoma
Why, if y’all don’t like this state, there’s bound to a U-Haul close by to help get your sorry selves out of here. (Thought I might be the first to get that in though bad typing might thwart my goal.)
Why don’t you, that’d be a good start.
Thank God he has an identical twin. But I’m devastated by this.
Fresno is basically Oklahoma West.
Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish
A sad day in Oklahoma.
Having worked with a lot of law enforcement over the years, I can tell you he’s truly one of the good ones who really does care about OKC. I’m sad to see him go.
Policeman Paco is a larger than life personality. Has the stuff. Reminds me of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Now that Paco’s in Fresno, perhaps one of these days he’ll mosey down to Hollywood and get on the “Big Screen”. Go Paco Go !!!
who?
Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, Pacos gotta Fresno.
I’ve met him a few times in my previous career. He was always a good and nice dude.
I don’t know in this case, but there can be real career and pension benefits from making this type move. Paco might be a better candidate to be OKC chief after few years with top cop experience in another, roughly equal size city. Also, the higher pay he will get as chief in Fresno might enhance his OKC pension if he stays on the job a minimum number of years.
$ 220,000 a year anywhere in California isn’t much compared to the cost of living there. But it’s still a good move for him and I wish him well.
Not so bad. From a cost of living comparison site.
Cost of Living in Fresno, California
Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Fresno is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Fresno, California is more expensive.
Fresno cost of living is 102.6
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Oklahoma City, OK Fresno, CA United States
Population
629,191 519,037 321,004,407
Median Income
$47,004 $41,455 $53,482
Home price avg.
$130,000 $247,600 $231,200
Commute time minutes
21.34 21.62 26.38
He probably reached the minimum requirements for retirement from OCPD and wanted to try something new while staying in the law enforcement business. Deputy Chiefs and Chiefs of Police do it all the time; there’s no intent to disrespect Oklahoma City on his part… I’m guessing.
Good luck, DC, er, CHIEF Paco!!
i graduated the police academy with the balderamma twins. super nice guys both Paco was always looking to get better glad he has succeded. while I left the police department behind long ago it was interesting to see those in my class growth