Mindy Casto sworn in as new Fresno Police Chief

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno made history official Friday as Mindy Casto was sworn in as the city's 24th Chief of Police.

"I know much will be expected of me as your chief. You have my full commitment," Casto said. "There will be undoubtedly ups and downs, but rest assured, I will not place myself interest above any of those were the public members of this department. The trust placed in me is not taken lightly."

Hundreds attended the ceremony at the Saroyan Theatre in Downtown Fresno Friday.

Surrounded by family, Casto's husband placed the new badge on her uniform.

The city's first female chief received a standing ovation.

"To my Fresno community, are you ready? Are you ready for a new era in law and community? Fresno, are you ready?" Pastor DJ Criner said into the ceremony's microphone to hype up the crowd.

Casto is now tasked with leading nearly 900 officers covering the fifth largest city in California.

Mayor Dyer, a former Fresno PD Chief of 18 years, defined Casto as capable, compassionate and the right person in this moment to lead the department.

"I am 100 percent confident as I stand here today that we have appointed a police chief that not only knows how to keep Fresno safe, but she knows how to do it while maintaining the trust and support of our citizens," Dyer said.

Casto was born and raised in Caruthers and was first introduced to the department as a child.

"My first energy attraction to Fresno PD was on a ride along with Mayor Jerry's sister Diane, who was a Fresno police officer at the time," Casto recalled. "I was 15 years old and to this day I don't really know why my mom set that ride along up for me but it absolutely altered the trajectory of my life."

She started her career as an explorer, working up the ranks to deputy chief until she became the interim chief of police following the resignation of former chief Paco Balderrama.
Chief Casto wasted no time making her objective in this new role clear.

"We're talking a lot about nice things today but make no mistake, the Fresno Police Department will not be soft on crime under my leadership as chief," she said.

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