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Mayor James names Tony Araujo permanent West Palm Beach police chief
Summary
Mayor James appointed Interim Chief Tony Araujo to the permanent role after an interim period that began in October; Araujo is a 65-year-old former colonel with a 42-year career at the sheriff’s office and said he is not ready to retire.
Mayor James has named Interim Chief Tony Araujo the permanent police chief for West Palm Beach, city presenters said. Araujo had served as interim chief since October after Mayor James removed former Chief Frank Adderley amid allegations of financial improieties within the department.
The mayor told residents he appointed Araujo "with a clear mission to conduct a top down review of the department and ensure we uphold the highest standards of public safety," and that Araujo had "exceeded" expectations during the interim period. Araujo, who the broadcast described as 65 years old, said he is "not even close to being ready to retire," and noted he grew up in West Palm Beach. The segment said Araujo rose to the rank of colonel over a 42-year career at the sheriff’s office and is taking a pay cut to join the city permanently.
The broadcast did not provide specifics about Araujo’s salary, the formal personnel process used for the permanent appointment, or whether the city commission or council had to confirm the appointment. It also did not provide details about the status or outcome of the allegations that led to the dismissal of former Chief Frank Adderley.
