After a long vetting process, La Palma selected Terry Kim as the City’s next Police Chief as of Dec. 23.
Captain Kim was born in South Korea, moved to Anaheim when he was a teenager, and attended Magnolia High School. Kim went on to attend California State University, Long Beach for three years majoring in electrical engineering. However, it was during that time that Kim began to have a strong interest in a law enforcement career.
In 1994 he joined the Fullerton College police academy and was hired by the La Palma Police Department during the academy.
After a long vetting process, La Palma selected Terry Kim as the City’s next Police Chief as of Dec. 23.
Captain Kim was born in South Korea, moved to Anaheim when he was a teenager, and attended Magnolia High School. Kim went on to attend California State University, Long Beach for three years majoring in electrical engineering. However, it was during that time that Kim began to have a strong interest in a law enforcement career.
In 1994 he joined the Fullerton College police academy and was hired by the La Palma Police Department during the academy.
Kim has risen through the ranks in the La Palma Police Department during his 22-year career, and has held various assignments including Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer, Detective, field supervisor, and detective supervisor. He served 10 years as a Sergeant and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2014. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management.
With Captain Kim’s promotion to Police Chief, La Palma also promoted Sergeant Ron Wilkerson to Captain.
Wilkerson is a 20-year veteran of the La Palma Police Department and is currently assigned to the patrol division as a Watch Commander. He’s held several special assignments including Administrative Sergeant, Corporal, Motor Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and Rangemaster. He also spent over six years as a Team Leader and Supervisor for the North Orange County SWAT Team. Sergeant Wilkerson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, the California Peace Officers Association Leadership Development Program and possesses an Advanced Certificate from the California Peace Officers Standards of Training (POST). Sergeant Wilkerson has received several commendations including the police department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, and was named City of La Palma Supervisory Employee of the Year for 2015.
City Manager Murray concluded the recent announcement by saying “La Palma is truly fortunate to have two such dedicated and loyal employees who are qualified to step into these positions.”
The City will hold a reception and a formal swearing-in, in January for both Captain Kim and Sergeant Wilkerson.
