FOLSOM — City officials and Folsom Police Department leadership gathered Tuesday afternoon inside the department’s training room for a ceremony welcoming the agency’s newest sworn officer and introducing several recent hires whose roles will support patrol, communications, investigations, and the department’s long-term commitment to community safety.
The event was led by Interim Police Chief Randy Ulibarri, who spoke at length about each individual’s background, education, professional experience, and connection to the department. He also emphasized that recruitment is an ongoing, department-wide effort—and one that succeeds largely because of the people already serving in uniform.
Ulibarri said the department continues to attract strong applicants because of the example set by its officers, who help shape the agency’s public reputation. He praised the staff for consistently being “some of the best recruiters out there,” noting that their professionalism and dedication directly contributed to bringing new officers to Folsom.
“So to all the men and women in the police department, I owe you a debt of gratitude for helping bring the best recruits into the police department. Thank you very much,” he said.
He also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work that ensures strong candidates move through the hiring process successfully.
“In addition, I’d like to recognize Sergeant Roman Kim from our Professional Standards Unit. Sergeant Kim’s hard work and dedication in recruitment and hiring made today possible. Roman, thank you for your efforts and commitment.”
Officer Lauren Kroeger
The ceremony opened with the swearing-in of Officer Lauren Kroeger, who joins FPD following eight years with the Galt Police Department. Born in Laramie, Wyoming, and raised in Folsom, Kroeger is a graduate of Folsom High School and earned her associate degree from American River College before completing her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from Union Institute and University in 2018.
Kroeger completed the basic police academy in modular format, finishing Modules II and III at Sierra College and Module I at the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center in 2016. She was hired by Galt PD in 2017, where she built a diverse résumé that included three years on patrol, four and a half years as a detective, and one year as a school resource officer. Her additional assignments included hostage negotiator, terrorism liaison officer, and explorer adviser. She has been recognized with the Life Saving Assist Award and the Distinguished Service Award.
Ulibarri shared a personal connection to Kroeger that stretches back years, including helping her prepare for interviews and being present when she was sworn in at Galt. He described how her journey to Folsom PD included an honest conversation about concerns she had heard regarding the department. After their discussion, he encouraged her to complete a ride-along and judge the department for herself.
“After she went on that ride-along, she then put her application in for Folsom Police Department because what she heard is what she saw,” Ulibarri said, noting that the department’s own personnel ultimately served as its strongest ambassadors.
Kroeger’s hobbies include traveling, concerts, camping, mountain biking, kayaking, soccer, basketball, and spending time with her friends and family.
Community Service Officer Megan Kirkpatrick
Ulibarri next introduced Community Service Officer Megan Kirkpatrick, who joined the department this month and is already assigned to the Evidence Property Room. Born in Sacramento and raised in Roseville, Kirkpatrick graduated from Woodcreek High School before attending Boise State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2025, graduating magna cum laude.
During her time in Idaho, she completed a five-month internship with the Meridian Police Department. Her wide-ranging exposure included patrol, criminal investigations, evidence handling, and work with the Academy of Victim Services. Ulibarri noted that Kirkpatrick discovered a strong interest in evidence work—a passion that ultimately led her to apply at Folsom PD.
Kirkpatrick enjoys working out, shopping, traveling, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks outdoors, and spending time with her dog, Cooper.
Dispatcher I Lydia Cahill
Dispatcher I Lydia Cahill was the next to be introduced. Born in San Francisco and homeschooled through Bayview Prep, Cahill earned her high school diploma before attending Bob Jones University in South Carolina. She is currently enrolled at Folsom Lake College, where she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice.
Cahill began her career with NorCal Ambulance as a call taker, where her ability to multitask and handle a high volume of calls quickly earned her advancement to dispatcher trainee. Ulibarri said her strong performance and interest in emergency communications made her an ideal candidate for the police communications team. She was hired by Folsom PD on November 7.
Her interests include cooking, art, fitness, and learning new skills.
Crime Analyst Diana Falkenstein
The final introduction of the afternoon highlighted part-time Crime Analyst Diana Falkenstein, who returns to the department after interning with FPD from July 2017 to March 2018. Born and raised in Folsom, Falkenstein was homeschooled before attending Sacramento State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2015. She later earned a Crime and Intelligence Analysis certificate from Sac State in 2017, followed by a Geographic Information Systems certificate from Penn State in 2021.
Since her internship at FPD, Falkenstein has worked with the California Department of State Hospitals, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. While at Sacramento PD, she earned the Employee of the Quarter Award for her initiative in strengthening department transparency and community engagement.
Falkenstein has been married to her husband, William, since 2024. Her hobbies include soccer, trail running, laser engraving, and baking.
Ulibarri also noted that Falkenstein joins the agency as part of its Folsom Police Department Legacy Program—her mother, Janet Falkenstein, is a longtime Records Technician with the department.
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