Chief Fivecoat Receives KCLEF Award

The Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation (KCLEF), founded on June 10, 1988, supports law enforcement in Kern County by providing resources, equipment, and training for agencies, as well as scholarships for students aspiring to join law enforcement. Additionally, the foundation recognizes exceptional acts of courage and service in the community with special awards.

On October 10, 2024, our Chief of Police, Charlie Fivecoat, received the esteemed 2024 KCLEF Administrator of the Year award for the start-up of the new Wasco Police Department in April. This was an incredible achievement for the Chief and his team.

Charlie Fivecoat has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and public safety, beginning with his service as a paratrooper in the Vietnam War. After being recruited by the Los Angeles Police Department while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Charlie chose to return to Kern County in 1974 to transition into law enforcement. He served with the Taft Fire Department and Police Department before joining the Kern County Sheriff's Department in 1979. Charlie excelled in various roles, including undercover narcotics work and leadership positions within the SWAT and Bomb Squad units. Following his retirement in 2001, he became a professor at Bakersfield College and later served as Police Chief for the Shafter Police Department, where he led the department and managed a community corrections facility. His extensive experience in both law enforcement and security operations culminated in his roles as Northern California Director of Security for CA Resources Corporation (CRC), Corporate Security Manager at Grimmway, and eventually, he returned to public service as the Chief of Police for the City of Wasco in 2022.

Chief Fivecoat is deeply committed to public service and community safety, gaining respect for his community-focused approach and ability to build trust between law enforcement and the public. Known for his strong work ethic and calm leadership, he has made a positive impact on the communities he serves, highlighting the importance of effective public service and community trust.

Congratulations Chief Fivecoat!