Local News

The Grants Pass Police Department is welcoming its newest officer to the agency.

Police Officer Caleb Ardaiz recently took the oath of office and became GPPD's newest officer as Chief Warren Hensman pinned on his badge. Ardaiz will be heading to the Oregon Police Academy in April.

Officer Ardaiz was born and raised in Medford, and he graduated from South Medford High School before joining the US Army as an infantryman. Following basic training, he joined a scout/sniper platoon.

After returning from military deployment, Ardaiz joined the fire service and worked as a wildland firefighter until he was hired by the Klamath County Fire District as a firefighter/EMT.

Officer Ardaiz chose to become a police officer because he said "it offers the unique opportunity to serve and protect while making a tangible difference in the community." He chose the local police department "because Grants Pass is a fantastic city with a close-knit welcoming community."

Caleb added that "GPPD is committed to making a difference through professional police services."