Following the retirement of Chief Terry Kim, La Palma City Manager Conal McNamara has appointed Ron Wilkerson Chief of Police, effective September 25, 2023.
According to a press release issued by the City of La Palma this week, Chief Wilkerson is a 27-year veteran of the La Palma Police Department, formerly serving as Captain overseeing the department’s administrative functions. During his employment, Ron has been assigned to the patrol division as a Watch Commander, served as a Sergeant, and has 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.
Chief Wilkerson holds 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, P.O.S.T. Executive Development Course, and possesses a Management Certificate from the California Peace Officers Standards of Training (P.O.S.T.). He 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.
“Chief Wilkerson has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, a deep understanding of the community’s needs, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships with residents and stakeholders,” McNamara said. “I know he is the right person to lead the La Palma Police Department into the future.”
“I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly appointed Chief Wilkerson. His many years of service and dedication to our community aligns seamlessly with our vision for a safe and thriving La Palma,” said Mayor Debbie Baker. “I am confident in his ability to ensure the well-being of our residents and community.”
Upon appointment to Chief, Wilkerson named Sergeant Joe Guerrero as Police Captain for the Operations Division, effective September 25, 2023. Captain Guerrero joined the Department in 1996 and has held several critical roles including most recently
serving as the Supervisor of the Detective Bureau.
Captain Guerrero holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University and is a graduate of the National Command & Staff College and Sherman Block Leadership Institute. In 2016, Guerrero was named City of La Palma Supervisory Employee of the Year.
The City will hold a reception and a formal swearing-in in October 2023 for both Chief Wilkerson and Captain Guerrero.
City of La Palma is a 1.9 square mile general law city in northwest Orange County, consisting of over 15,581 residents and approximately 300 commercial and industrial businesses. The City was incorporated in 1955 under the name of Dairyland and has 53 full-time and 35 part-time employees.
