Three Auburn Police Department officers were promoted during a ceremony on Monday, Dec. 6, including a new assistant chief, according to the department.

When Chief Mark Caillier was appointed to the position of chief in October, it left the department without an assistant chief, according to the department.

The department performed a thorough interview process, and on Dec. 6, Commander Sam Betz was promoted to the position of assistant chief, according to the department.

“I am humbled to be in the position of Assistant Chief and look forward to earning the trust and confidence of my fellow employees and the community,” Betz said.

In addition to Betz’s promotion, Sergeant James Nordenger was promoted to Commander, and Officer Jason Blake was promoted to Sergeant, according to the Auburn Police Department.

Betz has worked for the Auburn Police Department since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries from Azusa Pacific University, according to the Auburn Police Department. Betz was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and again to commander in January 2020.

During his time on the force, Betz has worked a number of different jobs within the department including as a detective for the Special Investigations Unit and on the Valley SWAT Team, according to the Auburn Police Department.