Globe Sgt. Abraham J. (A.J.) Castaneda, Jr. was promoted to Police Commander with a swearing-in ceremony held at the Globe City Council Nov. 27 regular meeting.

Globe Chief of Police Dale Walters said that having been in law enforcement 28 years, he had met many people who were strong candidates for the police commander post and that there were people from across the country offering to help him out.

Walters went on to say that he could find no one better that Castaneda to be his second in command at the Globe Police Department.

He said that Castaneda has been in law enforcement 23 years, and while a member of the Globe Police Department, Castaneda was a Miami Vandal.

Miami Mayor Darryl Dalley interrupted Walters, saying, “He is a Vandal,” drawing laughter from the audience.

“From what I hear, he bleeds green,” Walters continued.

He said that Castaneda has been ingrained in the community his entire life.

When his turn came to speak, Castaneda stepped to the podium and said, “I can’t tell you how humbled and honored I am to receive this promotion. Six months ago I wouldn’t have taken it.”

Castaneda complimented the council on their decision to hire Walters as police chief, saying that Walters has repaired the Globe Police Department’s relationships with area law enforcement agencies.

Referring to the Nov. 11 mass shooting in Globe, Castaneda said, “Had we not mended the fences with neighboring agencies, it might not have ended up the same way.”

Calling it a “horrific incident,” Castaneda thanked the community, city council and staff for their support.

“Everyone has called me and offered to help me,” he said.

Castaneda thanked the public works department for traffic control, calling Public Works Superintendent John Agulo his hero.

When Castaneda called Agulo that night, he said “Don’t ask me any questions, just load up the barricades and meet me here,” which Agulo and staff did.

He also praised Globe Det. Steve Williams for his excellent work on the Nov. 11 mass shooting case, saying there was no one better to handle the investigation.

Talking about things that have happened in the past, Castaneda said that, being a Christian, he would forgive and move on.

Addressing a large group of family seated in the audience, Castaneda said, “You went through a lot this past year with me. I love you guys.”

Castaneda told the council, “I’m going to give you 110 percent.”

He said that, especially with the efforts of Walters, the Globe Police Department “will be a shining example in law enforcement real soon.”