The City of Folsom welcomed its new police chief Monday afternoon as Adam Green was formally sworn in during a ceremony filled with law enforcement personnel, city leaders, and residents at the Folsom Community Center. The event marked the start of a new chapter for the department following the retirement of Chief Rick Hillman and the interim leadership of Chief Randy Ulibarri.
City Manager Brian Whitemyer opened the ceremony by acknowledging the strong turnout and introducing dignitaries in attendance, including Mayor Sarah Aquino, Vice Mayor Justin Raithel, Councilmembers Barbara Leary, Anna Rohrbough, and Mike Kozlowski. Also present were representatives from Congressman Kevin Kiley, Senator Roger Niello, Assemblymember Josh Hoover, Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, and Folsom Cordova Unified School District board member YK Chalamcherla.
Later in the program, Whitemyer described the city’s rigorous recruitment process. “We had a number of individuals who participated in the selection process,” he said, thanking the community, professional, and executive panelists who helped evaluate candidates. He also expressed appreciation for interim Chief Ulibarri, saying, “It’s important to recognize the work that goes into keeping a department moving forward during a transition. I appreciate everything Chief Ulibarri has done during this period.”
Whitemyer said Green’s leadership background stood out clearly. “Chief Green’s extensive background and leadership style make him an outstanding fit for the Folsom Police Department,” he said. “He brings exceptional operational experience, strong strategic judgment, and a clear commitment to professional and accountable policing.”
Mayor Sarah Aquino followed with remarks that placed the ceremony within the context of Folsom’s long tradition of welcoming new leadership. She began by recalling how, on February 22, 1856, hundreds of Sacramento residents stepped off the Sacramento Valley Railroad in Folsom to the greeting, “Good evening, and welcome to Folsom,” during a large community celebration. She then drew a connection to the city’s early police leadership, noting the swearing-in of Bill Wilson as Folsom’s eighth police chief in 1957.
“Today, on behalf of my colleagues and the 92,000 residents who call this city home, it is my honor to welcome Chief Adam Green and his family to Folsom,” Aquino said. She also acknowledged the delegation from the Sacramento Police Department. “Some will say that our gain is automatically your loss, but I don’t see it that way. As the only full-service cities in the county and the only charter cities, Folsom and Sacramento share a unique history and a common bond. I believe a stronger, safer Folsom means a stronger, safer Sacramento and vice versa.”
Aquino highlighted Folsom’s history of innovation, referencing the Livermore brothers and the 1895 transmission of hydroelectric power from Folsom to Sacramento. “Today,” she said, “the light and the energy are flowing our way in the form of an experienced, respected chief who brings twenty-four years of service with the Sacramento Police Department.” She ended with: “Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get to work. Welcome to Folsom. We’re glad you’re here.”
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the colors by the honor guards of both the Folsom and Sacramento Police Departments, directed by Lieutenant Lou Wright. Officer Jordan Bishop performed the national anthem, and Pastor Anthony Sadler delivered the invocation, describing the event as a “joining of families” between Sacramento and Folsom and offering a prayer for unity, wisdom, and protection.
City Clerk Christa Freemantle administered the oath of office, and Green’s wife, Mary, and daughter, Ella, stepped forward to pin his new badge to his uniform as the audience applauded.
Green then spoke to the crowd, sharing gratitude, personal reflection, and a clear vision for his leadership.
“The first thing I want to say is thank you,” Green began. He acknowledged the honor guards, Pastor Sadler, Chaplain Ron Perry, and the regional law enforcement representatives attending the ceremony. “It means a great deal to be welcomed by one department while departing another,” he said.
He thanked interim Chief Ulibarri for his leadership throughout the transition. “It’s important to recognize the work that goes into keeping a department moving forward during a transition,” Green said. “I appreciate everything Chief Ulibarri has done during this period.”
Green also expressed appreciation to City Manager Whitemyer, Mayor Aquino, and the City Council. “Thank you for your confidence,” he said. “It is not something I take lightly.”
He then shifted to his longstanding personal connection to Folsom, recalling rowing on Lake Natoma during his college years, living in Folsom early in his career, and visiting the city often with his family. “Since moving to the Sacramento region, the Folsom community has been an important part of my life,” he said. “My daughter works at the Folsom Aquatic Center. This city has always felt like home.”
Green highlighted the depth of community tradition and pride in Folsom. He referenced the well-known legacy of barber Randy Boxell, saying, “I learned early on that this is a community where the barber has cut the hair of every police chief for nearly 50 years. That tells you something about the history of this city and the way people invest in one another.”
Turning to his vision for the department, Green spoke directly about the values he intends to uphold. “Humility is important in this job. Integrity is important in this job,” he said. “Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is important in this job.” He emphasized fairness, consistency, officer wellness, and community trust.
“We will focus on safety — officer safety and public safety,” he said. “We will focus on being innovative. We will focus on being open and connected with the community. We will continue the strong, proud tradition of the Folsom Police Department, and we will carry that forward together.”
He closed with a reaffirmation of his commitment to Folsom: “I am honored to serve as Folsom’s next Police Chief alongside the men and women of the Folsom Police Department, and to honor their tradition of service, community, and Folsom pride. There can be no greater calling than to protect the safety of our public… I am humbled by this opportunity.”
Chaplain Ron Perry delivered the benediction, asking for courage, compassion, wisdom, and protection for Chief Green and the department.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to remain for refreshments and congratulate the city’s new chief as he begins his tenure leading 125 employees and 50 volunteers at the Folsom Police Department.
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