Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama (GV Wire File)
- "I am deeply sorry for letting you down, and all I can do is ask for your forgiveness," Paco Balderrama says in email.
- Fresno Police Officers Association leadership will discuss the chief's situation in an executive session Wednesday.
- Balderrama, 47, is being investigated by the City Attorney's Office for an alleged off-duty relationship.
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With questions swirling about his future, Police Chief Paco Balderrama asked Fresno police officers for their “forgiveness” in an email sent Monday evening.
Balderrama, 47, is being investigated by the City Attorney’s Office at the behest of Mayor Jerry Dyer’s administration for an alleged off-duty relationship. According to a published report, the alleged affair lasted more than two years and was with the spouse of a Fresno police officer.
City Hall’s announcement last week revealing the investigation of Balderrama, however, referred to the alleged affair as “an inappropriate off-duty relationship he was involved in with a non-city employee.”
Balderrama, who continues as chief amid the investigation, is said to be losing the trust of some police officers. Fresno Police Officers Association President Brandon Wiemiller made that clear in an email to members announcing that the union’s leadership team would meet Wednesday night to talk about the situation.
Related Story: Fresno Police Union: Members Feel Betrayed, Trust Lost in Chief Balderrama
Chief’s Bid to Win Back Police Officers’ Trust
The police chief’s Monday email included sentiments aimed at winning back that trust.
“It is so very true that there are two sides to every story, but I do not intend to justify or defend myself regardless of any unknown circumstances,” Balderrama wrote in Monday’s email. “My actions did not meet the standards of who I am as a man of faith, husband, or father. I own my mistakes, they are mine and mine alone to bear, and I will pay for those mistakes for the rest of my life.
“I humbly come to you and ask for your forgiveness as your leader, who clearly has flaws and imperfections. I realize many of you may be upset and disappointed. I understand those feelings and I don’t fault you for it.”
Balderrama closed the email by writing: “I am deeply sorry for letting you down, and all I can do is ask for your forgiveness.”
The police chief is married and has three children.
He stated in the email, “My family has been deeply affected by this and I humbly ask for your grace, discretion, and understanding during this difficult time. ”
Related Story: Embattled Fresno Police Chief Cherry Picks Scripture on Social Media
Balderrama’s Email to Fresno Police Officers
FPOA President’s Email to Police Officers
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