Published
3 years agoon
After 42 years of service, former Fresno police chief Andrew Hall “signed off” on Thursday.
Hall gave way to new chief Paco Balderrama on Monday, completing a 16-month run as police chief. Surrounded by many colleagues at police headquarters, including his predecessor and now Mayor Jerry Dyer, Hall took part in a ceremonial sign-off.
Former Fresno Police Chief, Andrew Hall, retires after 42 years on the job. Today he did his final log off. Thank you for your service to the #Fresno community! pic.twitter.com/Y0kpjcraqx
— City of Fresno (@CityofFresno) January 14, 2021
“I would like to thank you for your 42 years of dedication and service to the city of Fresno,” a police dispatcher said over the communication system. “Your leadership and statements have a lasting impression on our department and will be missed by the both Fresno police department and the entire law enforcement profession. Your smile and your boots will never be forgotten, Chief Hall … 11-10.”
Hall radioed back “Copy, thank you!”
Hall was the surprise selection to succeed the retiring Dyer in August 2019, especially since he did not even apply for the job.
But, then-mayor Lee Brand concluded that the applicant pool did not have a satisfactory candidate, and chose Hall to lead the department in the interim.
Hall took over the job, knowing he had a mandatory retirement date of spring 2021.
Prior to becoming chief, Hall served as a deputy chief and was once the commander of the motorcycle patrol unit. He started his career as an 18-year old cadet.
His communications sergeant, Jeff LaBlue, offered a big hug. The room broke out in applause.
Balderrama also offered words of gratitude.
Hall says that he plans to remain in the community.
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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