FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A promotional video for an upcoming Fresno County event is drawing criticism and sparking debate after Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld appeared in an action-themed production featuring sheriff’s equipment, an armored vehicle and firearms.<\/p>\n
The video, posted Wednesday by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce to promote its upcoming State of the County address, quickly gained attention online and prompted questions about the use of law enforcement resources.<\/p>\n
“It is a little mission impossible. We wanted to make it entertaining. We did. I think,” Bredefeld said.<\/p>\n
Among the critics is Fresno State women’s studies professor Dr. Kat Fobear, who said she was surprised by the video’s content.<\/p>\n
“You could still be Tom Cruise running down the streets of Fresno, and you didn’t need to use a helicopter, a Bearcat,” Fobear said.<\/p>\n
“I don’t know about you, but most of us can’t just take joyrides in our Fresno County paid sheriff equipment,” she added.<\/p>\n
According to those involved, the video cost approximately $7,000 to produce and was funded through Chamber sponsors rather than taxpayer dollars.<\/p>\n
The production features Bredefeld as its central figure, including scenes in which he emerges from an armored vehicle and fires an assault-style rifle.<\/p>\n
Bredefeld defended the project and suggested some criticism is politically motivated.<\/p>\n
“Oh, I think some of these people are not fans of mine, and if it was somebody they liked, they probably wouldn’t have had a problem with it,” he said.<\/p>\n
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce also faced scrutiny following the video’s release. Chamber CEO Scott Miller said the organization regularly produces promotional videos for events but exercises limited control over their content.<\/p>\n
“This video was not ever intended to be any type of endorsement of any elected official or any position taken by any elected official or the board of supervisors,” Miller said.<\/p>\n
The video’s release came shortly after a contentious decision involving the proposed Measure C transportation tax, though Miller said the Chamber does not align itself with Bredefeld’s political positions.<\/p>\n
“To the extent that any chamber member or friend of the chamber saw this video as some type of endorsement… that is regrettable,” Miller said.<\/p>\n
Asked whether the public reaction could affect future productions, Miller indicated changes may be coming.<\/p>\n
“I think that we should… should exercise more control going forward,” he said.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said personnel and equipment used during filming were already assigned to regular duties or training at the time.<\/p>\n
“We at the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are always mindful of how we utilize our personnel and equipment for extracurricular events,” the statement said. “In this case, we made sure to only schedule resources when deputies were already performing their regular duties or assigned to do training.”<\/p>\n
The agency added that resources would have been redirected if needed for an emergency call and said the video allowed a county supervisor to gain a better understanding of law enforcement operations while also highlighting the work deputies perform for residents.<\/p>\n
The sheriff’s office noted that it produces recruitment videos that require similar staff time and resources.<\/p>\n
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