by REERA YOO
Sgt. Terry Kim became the first Korean American police captain of the La Palma Police Department in Orange County on Thursday, according to The Korea Times.
Captain Kim is a 19-year veteran of the LPPD and also its first Korean American police officer. He has served the LPPD under a wide range of assignments as a watch commander, detective sergeant, canine officer, and a member of the Special Enforcement Team, according to the City of La Palma.
Kim immigrated to South California when he was 14 and graduated from Cal State Long beach with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice management.
“As La Palma Police Department’s first Korean police officer, it’s an honor to be promoted to captain,” Kim said. “I will do my best to volunteer and engage more actively with the Korean community.”
In his new role as captain, Kim will overlook the LPPD’s Operations Division, which includes patrol, traffic, S.W.A.T units and disaster preparedness for the city.
The swearing-in-ceremony will take place at the La Palma City Council Chambers on Monday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.
