WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James announced Monday that he wants interim Police Chief Tony Araujo to take over the department full-time, which was made official hours later by city commissioners.
Araujo, 65, a former colonel at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, has been serving as interim police chief since Oct. 1 after the mayor fired Police Chief Frank Adderley, saying the department's standards were "not being met."
WATCH BELOW: West Palm Beach mayor taps interim police chief to take over department full-time
During a news conference held Monday morning at City Hall, the mayor was complimentary of Araujo's work on an interim basis for the last four months. James said Araujo was tapped to conduct a "top-down review of the department and ensure we uphold the highest standards of public safety."
"Over the past several months, he has not only met that challenge, but he has exceeded it beyond my wildest expectations," James said. "He's demonstrated the leadership, vision and accountability our city sorely needs."
City commissioners unanimously approved Araujo's appointment at a meeting held Monday night. Araujo will take over the department permanently effective March 3.
When Adderley was fired in October, James had said the city would conduct a "national search" to lead the agency.
"However, over the past several months, our interim police chief has demonstrated through action, not just words, that he is the leader that our department and the city needs," James said. "His performance, vision and ability to drive results have made it clear that he is indeed the right choice for the department."
The mayor said that over the next few months, the city would have a "listening tour" throughout the community to introduce Araujo.
"We will be engaged in improving the quality of life of all our citizens and in every neighborhood on our path to maintaining and growing a public safety footing that is present and accessible to all," Araujo said Monday.
WATCH BELOW: Mayor James explains why Tony Araujo is best person to lead police department
7 police officers remain on paid leave amid investigation
Adderley had served at the helm of the department since June 2019.
When he fired Adderley last year, James said he was "deeply disturbed" after an incident involving West Palm Beach officers in Boynton Beach, which remains under investigation. In addition, James mentioned his concerns involving two officers during a recent domestic violence call.
WPTV reported in August that the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office's Public Corruption Unit was investigating the actions of West Palm Beach police officers leading up to a deadly crash in Boynton Beach that claimed two lives.
WPTV also learned in October that seven West Palm Beach officers were placed on administrative leave concerning allegations of overtime/financial misconduct.
"There's a criminal investigation undergoing, so I can't be any more specific," James said Monday.
In addition, WPTV reported in July that a West Palm Beach police officer was arrested after accusations that he sexually assaulted a woman after responding to a 911 call.
Despite multiple officers being on administrative leave, Araujo said Monday that the department's work has not been affected.
"We have staff officers, lieutenants... that have stepped up," Araujo said. "They're doing double duty. ... I must admit I've been doing things that I haven't done since I was a lieutenant, but that's OK. I'm very well versed at doing it."
However, Araujo said his command staff instead of working "40 or 50 hours" a week was working "70 or 80."
Amid these staffing challenges and being "woefully understaffed," James said that one of the things that impressed him the most with Araujo was his ability to "figure it out" and maintain the quality of service.
"This is not a sustainable model, so we hope those investigations will be concluded sooner rather than later, but we have to let the process take its course," James said.
