A Kerman Lion and a native of Watsonville have become the latest additions to the Firebaugh Police Department.
Jesus Molina and Victor Albarran were sworn in as new police officers at the recent meeting of the Firebaugh City Council. Also joining the department is new dispatcher Angel Cruz.
Molina is a Central Valley native who graduated from Kerman High School. He then pursued his higher education at Fresno City College and the Institute of Technology. He earned a degree in Criminology and also obtained his POST certificate.
This is Molina’s second stint with the FPD. In 2015, he was a reserve officer and after completing the Field Training Officer program, he became a full-time officer with the department. In 2022, he “took a new opportunity” to work for another agency before returning to Firebaugh last November.
“With strong ties to the community, I am committed to making a positive impact and keeping Firebaugh safe,” he explained.
The 26-year-old Albarran was born in Watsonville and he and his family moved to Madera while he was a youngster. After living there for a few years, they relocated to Fresno.
Albarran attended the Central Learning/Alternative Adult School and received his high school diploma in 2022.
Upon graduating from high school, he applied for the Criminology 108 program through the Fresno Sheriff’s Office Academy as an unaffiliated cadet.
“I successfully completed all three modules and received my POST certification,” Albarran explained.
He has worked as a security officer for about five years where he gained many skills that he wants to bring to the department and to the city.
The city’s newest reserve officer called it “an honor” to work for the city of Firebaugh.
“Firebaugh is a great community where everyone seems to know each other,” he said. “Some of my talents that I bring to the department are that I have good communication, observation, and compassion for the city and the citizens who reside in Firebaugh.”
The 21-year old Cruz is a Firebaugh native who graduated from Firebaugh High, where he took a criminology class. His new position will hopefully be the start of a career in law enforcement.
