This week, the city of Folsom closes a significant chapter in its history of leadership as we bid farewell to a leader whose impact on our community will be felt for generations. Police Chief Rick Hillman is officially retiring, and as we reflect on his more than 40 years in law enforcement—30 of those dedicated to Folsom—we can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude, admiration, and, yes, a bit of sadness as we say goodbye to a man who has been so much more than just a police chief.
My connection with Chief Hillman goes back farther than most realize. Before Folsom, before I was a publisher, and before he was chief, our paths first crossed in the small town of Placerville, where I grew up. We worked together in different capacities, navigating the complexities of community life and public service in El Dorado County. Even then, Chief Hillman stood out—not just for his professionalism, but for his genuine care for the people around him. Those early days were formative for both of us, and I look back with fondness on the teamwork, trust, and mutual respect that began to grow even then.
Fast forward to our years in Folsom, and that relationship only deepened. As a journalist, I’ve always believed that the strength of a community news organization is built on trust, transparency, and engagement with the people and agencies that make our city run. Chief Hillman understood that better than anyone. He didn’t just tolerate the press—he welcomed us. He saw us as partners in the mission to keep Folsom informed, safe, and connected.
When Folsom Times was just an idea—a vision to ensure that community-driven journalism continued in Folsom after the city’s longtime local news resource drastically changed with new parent ownership outside of the United States, and others began to steer toward today’s more state and national news—Chief Hillman was one of the first city leaders we approached. He embraced the plan wholeheartedly, knowing that keeping residents informed, and doing so through a truly local lens, was essential to a healthy and connected community. That early support meant the world to us, and it set the tone for a relationship built on mutual respect and open communication.
Throughout the years, Chief Hillman has been a model of accessibility and responsiveness. Whether it was a major incident, a community event, or a routine update, he made sure we had the information we needed—sometimes before we even knew we needed it. Oftentimes, over the years, I was notified by Chief Hillman, or others at his direction, of a situation or an incident—making sure we were in the loop and had the correct information to keep a community informed in a time where social media can quickly steer folks wrong. In an era where many agencies treat the media with suspicion or indifference, Chief Hillman’s approach was refreshingly open and collaborative.
But his legacy goes far beyond his relationship with the press. Chief Hillman has been the kind of leader who leads by example. He’s never been content to sit behind a desk, issuing orders from afar. Even as chief, he could be found out on patrol, riding a motorcycle, or working alongside his officers—sometimes even stepping into the role of dispatcher, a testament to his deep understanding of every aspect of police work. He’s been a mentor not just to the officers under his command, but to everyone who has had the privilege to work with him.
He’s advocated for his department, for the city, and for law enforcement agencies across the state. He’s brought the community into policing, making sure the people of Folsom always felt seen, heard, and protected.
For those of us in local media, Chief Hillman’s partnership has been invaluable. He’s helped us do our jobs better, and he’s contributed directly to our success as a trusted news source. Strong relationships between public agencies and the press are essential to a healthy, informed community. Chief Hillman understood that, and he fostered it every day. In many cities, that trust is missing, and the community suffers as a result. Here in Folsom, we have been fortunate. We’ve gained the trust of our police and fire departments, our city leaders—and in turn, we’ve been able to keep our readers informed with accuracy and integrity. Chief Hillman’s leadership has been a cornerstone of that trust.
On a personal note, I consider Chief Hillman not just a colleague, but a friend. Some might question whether that’s appropriate for a journalist, but I believe that in community journalism, it’s not just appropriate—it’s essential. We are part of this community. We live here, we work here, we raise our families here. We’re not just reporting on events; we’re participating in them. That kind of engagement is what sets local journalism apart, and it’s what makes our work meaningful.
As Chief Hillman steps into retirement, I know this isn’t truly goodbye. He plans to stay involved with the department in a part-time, on-call capacity, and I have no doubt he will continue to make a difference, whether in uniform or not. But his daily presence will be missed—by his officers, by city leaders, by the media, and by the entire community. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and compassion that is rare in any profession.
Chief Hillman, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to public safety. Thank you for your partnership with local media, for your friendship, and for your leadership. Thank you for making Folsom a safer, stronger, and more connected place to live. You have set a standard that will guide your successors and inspire all of us who follow in your footsteps.
Congratulations on your retirement, Chief. You’ve more than earned it. I wish you all the best in this next chapter, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact you will have on our city. Your legacy will live on, not just in the department you’ve led, but in the countless lives you’ve touched along the way.
Bill Sullivan is the co-founder of Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC operated in Folsom, California. He has won 34 professional awards with the California News Publishers Association in his career and continues to focus on community journalism in the community he calls home.
