It’s now official. During the Tuesday, May 14, Sedona City Council meeting, Charles Husted was sworn in by Judge Mike Goimarac as the city’s newest police chief — which he called the highlight of his career.

City Manager Justin Clifton opened the brief ceremony by pointing out that Husted is the fourth chief the city has had in less that four years, which includes two interim stints by Ron Wheeler. However, he feels that pattern will now change.

“I’m really honored that Chief Husted is joining our team,” he said. “We do a lot of hiring here and we put most candidates through a pretty grueling process — maybe none quite as grueling as what we do for those vying for the police chief position. We have six panels, members of council, members of the community, staff team, police department team all attempting to put candidates through the paces to really make sure that they’re battle tested and ready and that they fit here.”

Clifton then said that during his three-year tenure with the

 city that no candidate applying for any position was the top choice by each of the panels that person appeared before.

“Because of that I’m more excited than usual to welcome a new police chief here,” he said.

Following his swearing in, Husted — who comes to Sedona after 30 years with the Sacramento Police Department — said how excited he and his wife Maria are to be in Sedona.

“I will affirm something you already know, we have an amazing police department,” he said. “We have some incredible individuals who make sacrifices to serve this community. So it’s a huge honor for me to be able to join such a wonderful department.

“This is a huge opportunity for me to become part of a great organization and a great city. There’s so much for me to learn. Not so much them learning about me but me learning about the department and community. But I’ve started that process. I’m absolutely delighted to be wearing this uniform and will do my very best to lead this department and to help us grow.”

Mayor Sandy Moriarty said Sedona is very fortunate to have the Husteds as part of the community.

“I know the council is 100% behind you, and please let us know if there is some way we can help,” she said.

Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com