There are more than 700,000 Sikh living in the United States, and Northern California is home to many of them.
The first Sikh mayor was in Yuba City, the first Sikh temple was in Stockton, and yesterday, the Modesto Police force introduced their first Sikh police officer.
Varinder Khun Khun has been interested in becoming a police officer for most of his life, but he was never sure that he could serve his community and his faith.
“I feel like I can make a difference and show people what we’re really about here,” Khun Khun said. “I wasn’t sure how they felt about me wearing a turban and working here, so I talked with the Chief and he welcomed me with open arms and said he had no issues.”
A turban and a beard are essential articles of faith for Sikh men.
“It represents who we are,” Khun Khun said. “You know, we can look out and recognize a Sikh because they’re wearing a turban.”
Sikh are often mistaken for Muslims. In 2011, two Sikh men were murdered in a drive-by shooting in Elk Grove. And in 2014, six people were killed while praying at their temple in Wisconsin.
Khun Khun hopes by serving his community, he can help change perceptions.
“I want to be out there helping people, talking to people on the streets seeing if I can help them,” he said. “And then just making people feel comfortable.”
Officer Khun Khun is still in a training period, but be prepared to see him patrolling the streets of Modesto in the next couple weeks.