Milligan named new police chief

Captain Randy Milligan, who has been acting chief of the Shafter Police Department for the past year, has been named to permanently head the force. A pinning ceremony will take place Dec. 7, an email invitation said Friday.

Milligan, a 26-year veteran of the force, replaces Kevin Zimmermann, who resigned on Wednesday following a long disability leave. The city agreen to pay Zimmermann a $245,203 12-month severance settlement, provide COBRA benefits for 12 months and pay out his accrued vacation in exchange for his voluntary 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 middle of Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

Martinez stated that all terms are pursuant to 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 Milligan serving as chief in the interim. At the time, Lippincott said the city expected a search to result in a new chief by early December.

At the time, Lippincott said he did expect 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."

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