UPDATE: Shafter to pay $245K+ in settlement with Police Chief Zimmermann

The City of Shafter will pay Chief of Police Kevin Zimmermann a $245,203 12-month severance settlement, provide COBRA benefits for 12 months and pay out his accrued vacation in

exchange for his resignation, which was effective Nov. 20.

This agreement was announced in a statement read by City Attorney Marco Martinez after a closed session in the middles of Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

Martinez stated that all terms are pursuant to Chief Zimmermann's employment agreement. In return, the chief agrees to release any claims, known or unknown, against the city.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, City Manager Lance Lippincott said that Chief Zimmermann's resignation was voluntary and that he has been on leave for approximately 12–13 months, with Lieutenanct Randy Milligan serving as chief in the interim.

Milligan will continue to lead the department while a replacement is found.

In a telephone interview, Mayor Chad Givens said Chief Zimmermann's extended absence was due to a disability leave and that his resignation was health-related.

Lippincott is in discussions with potential candidates for a replacement chief and feels confident he can find one by early December. He said he is seeking a chief focused on a community

policing model.

When asked if he foresees any challenges securing a candidate, Lippincott said, "It's always tough to find a new chief, but what I think is great about here is that the council always makes

sure the chief is well compensated."

The city Wednesday morning announced the resignation of Police Chief Kevin Zimmerman, who has been on medical leave for over a year. At press time Wednesday. here is the official release:

Kevin Zimmermann has voluntarily stepped down from his position with the City of Shafter today. He has been a valued member of the Shafter Police Department since September 2016.

Mayor Chad Givens expressed his appreciation for Chief Zimmermann's leadership, noting, "Chief Zimmermann's dedication to the department and the community is greatly appreciated. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Shafter Police Department and improve public safety. The City is grateful for his service and commitment and wishes him the best in his future endeavors."

Acting Chief Randy Milligan, who has served the Shafter Police Department for 26 years, will continue to lead the department in the interim.

The City Manager, Lance Lippincott, will be available to address the media today, Wednesday, November 20th, at 2:30 PM at Shafter City Hall (Council Chambers). If you have any questions regarding today's press confer-ence, please email our Community Engagement Manag-er, Rachel Zermeno, at [email protected].

[Updates to this story will appear as they become available.]