10/16/2026
God bless
From Cuba to West Palm Beach, Chief Tony Araujo’s story is rooted in family, perseverance and service.
His family fled Cuba in 1962 and came to the United States in search of a new beginning. After spending his early childhood in Los Angeles, his family eventually made its way to West Palm Beach.
According to his father, Chief Araujo knew what he wanted to do from an early age. At just five years old, he was already saying he wanted to become a police officer.
After high school, Chief Araujo joined the United States Marine Corps and served four years. Nearly 43 years later, after rising through the ranks to Colonel with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, his journey eventually brought him back to West Palm Beach—this time as Chief of Police.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Chief Araujo’s Cuban heritage, but also the values that have helped shape his journey: family, resilience, integrity, opportunity and service.
From a young immigrant with a dream of wearing the badge to leading the police department in the community he calls home—that’s a story worth celebrating.
