Fresno Makes History: Mindy Casto Is The First Woman Police Chief

Dan Koss PhD 11 May 2025

Can a city's history be rewritten by one person? Mindy Casto, a name now etched in the annals of Fresno, California, undeniably proves that it can, shattering glass ceilings and ushering in a new era of leadership as the city's first female Police Chief.

The appointment of Mindy Casto as the 24th Police Chief of Fresno marks a pivotal moment in the city's history. Her journey to the top echelon of law enforcement began as the interim chief in June 2024, a role she stepped into following the investigation and subsequent resignation of former Chief Paco Balderrama. This transition, born of circumstance, soon blossomed into a testament to Casto's capabilities, her unwavering dedication, and her profound understanding of the Fresno community.

Category	Details
Full Name	Mindy Casto
Current Position	Chief of Police, Fresno Police Department
Date of Appointment as Interim Chief	June 2024
Date of Permanent Appointment	Thursday, [Insert Date Here - based on available sources, should be sometime in 2024]
Previous Rank	Captain
Years of Service	30+ years
Promotions	Sergeant (2003), Lieutenant (2015), Captain (2018)
Priorities	Violent crime reduction, service level, and professionalism
Education	[Insert Education Details if Available]
Awards and Recognition	Honoree for District 6, nominated by Bredefeld
Starting point in Law Enforcement	Explorer Program at age of 16
Reference	Fresno Police Department

The journey to becoming Fresno's first female police chief was not a preordained path. Casto's story begins in the Explorer program at the tender age of 16. The seeds of leadership and service were sown early, though law enforcement wasn't initially a lifelong ambition. Over the course of her career, she earned three promotions under then-Chief Dyer: Sergeant in 2003, Lieutenant in 2015, and Captain in 2018.

The circumstances surrounding her appointment as interim chief were as complex as they were transformative. The resignation of former Chief Paco Balderrama in June 2024, following an investigation, created a void that Casto was prepared to fill. She stepped into the role with a wealth of institutional knowledge, having dedicated over three decades to the Fresno Police Department. Her appointment brought stability during a period of significant change and scrutiny.

City leaders, recognizing her dedication and leadership potential, ultimately removed the "interim" tag, officially naming Casto as the permanent chief. This decision, announced on a Thursday, cemented her place in Fresno's history, not just as a leader but as a pioneer. She was selected after a comprehensive search process that involved community feedback and interviews with multiple candidates, a testament to the trust the city had placed in her.

The swearing-in ceremony held at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno on Friday, February [Insert the date if available from news article] served as a symbolic moment. Sergeant Steve Casto, also a member of the Fresno Police Department and Mindys husband, pinned the badge on his wife, a poignant symbol of the personal and professional lives intertwined in her journey.

Casto's appointment also marks a pivotal moment in the context of the department's history. The Fresno Police Department (FPD) is the municipal police department for Fresno, California. The department's headquarters are located at 2323 Mariposa Mall. The city is now under the command of a leader who has risen through the ranks, understanding the intricacies of the department from the ground up.

Mindy Casto's vision for the Fresno Police Department prioritizes violent crime reduction, enhanced service levels, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Her commitment to these core principles will guide the department into the future.

Her leadership also comes at a time when community trust in law enforcement is of paramount importance. In her own words, "Nothing is more important than the protection of this community. People in this community deserve nothing less." These are not mere words, but a promise that underscores her dedication to the city and its residents.

The selection process itself, which involved community input and the assessment of multiple candidates, underscores the commitment to transparency and public engagement that has become a hallmark of her leadership. This multifaceted approach reflects a genuine dedication to serving the needs of the entire community, not just as an employee of the city.

The path to the chief's office for Mindy Casto was paved not only with her dedication and hard work, but also by the opportunity that came from the leadership vacuum created by the resignation of former Chief Balderrama in June 2024. Her experience, spanning over 30 years within the Fresno Police Department, set her apart during the selection process, allowing her to rise from captain to be the interim chief, and eventually, the permanent chief.

The announcement that she was the new police chief, officially making her the 24th police chief of the city, was a significant moment for the city of Fresno. Her selection from fourteen applicants highlights the confidence in her ability to lead the department and implement her vision for the future.

For Mindy Casto, becoming the first woman to hold the position of police chief in Fresno is more than just a professional achievement; it is a symbol of progress and a testament to the power of perseverance. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of law enforcement in Fresno, setting an example of leadership and a fresh perspective for the department.

The weight of the responsibility is not lost on Chief Casto. The trust that is being placed in her is palpable and is the foundation she will use to build upon as she leads the department.