Bethany Ulm hadn’t ridden a motorcycle most of her life, now she’s on of Folsom’s Motor Officers

The Folsom Police Department has a new face on two wheels, and it’s one that comes with a story of dedication, and community commitment made by one of its officers.

Officer Bethany Ulm has officially joined the department’s motor unit, a milestone that caps off months of intense training and personal perseverance. Last week, she completed the Post Basic Motor Training course, earning her motor wings and stepping into one of law enforcement’s most respected and demanding roles.

The course, known for its difficulty, required Ulm to master high-speed motorcycle handling, precision maneuvering through tight cone patterns, and firearms qualification both on foot and while mounted on her motorcycle—all without any prior motorcycle experience. From day one, Ulm committed herself to long hours of practice, riding short and long distances to sharpen her skills and prepare for the rigorous final exam.

“Officer Ulm’s journey to becoming a motor officer is a testament to her work ethic and drive to serve our community in new ways,” the Police Department shared as they announced Ulm’s recent triumph. “We are incredibly proud of what she’s accomplished.”

Ulm’s path to this achievement is rooted in a strong foundation of public service. Born in Placerville, she was homeschooled before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. While in college, she worked as a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Placerville Police Department for two years, then continued as a CSO with the Sacramento Police Department before attending the basic police academy.

Upon graduating, she served as a patrol officer with Sacramento PD before joining the Folsom Police Department in February 2023. Her transition to Folsom marked the beginning of a standout tenure in the department.

In 2024, Officer Ulm was honored as the Folsom Police Department’s Officer of the Year at the annual Public Safety Awards presented by the Rotary Club of Folsom. During the ceremony, Folsom Police Lieutenant Andrew Lockhart highlighted Ulm’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication, calling her “an exceptional officer who continually goes above and beyond to support her team and the community.”

Now, with her motor certification complete, Officer Ulm joins Folsom’s elite motorcycle unit, where she will play a key role in traffic enforcement, public safety, and community engagement. Whether managing patrol duties or representing the department at local events.

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