Gila River welcomes new police chief as Michael Angstead take oath of office
September 11, 2026
Miguel Sallard
GRIN
Veteran law-enforcement leader take oath before Community members, tribal officials, and regional police partners, making a pivotal transition for the department.
SACATON, Ariz. — After nine months without a permanent police chief, the Gila River Indian Community entered a new era of leadership as Michael Angstead was officially sworn in during a ceremony attended by more than 100 Community members, tribal leaders, and officers from the neighboring City of Gilbert, where Angstead worked for several years, including six as assistant chief overseeing the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
The event, held inside the police department building, marked both a symbolic and practical turning point for a department that has navigated uncertainty and transition for nearly a year.
Angstead, a law enforcement veteran with nearly three decades of experience, was selected from a national pool of more than 40 candidates. He emerged as one of four finalists in a rigorous, community informed process that included input from Community members, department employees and tribal elders, a reflection of the Community’s commitment to inclusive decision-making and its expectations for public safety leadership.
Williams Lewis, who served as acting chief during this period, said he felt more at ease knowing the Community had chosen the right person to lead the department.
Angstead, took his oath of office alongside his wife Lisa and his son Tom, a police officer with the City of Mesa, Arizona. His son Joe, a heavy equipment operator, was unable to attend the ceremony. The oath was administered by the Community’s Chief Judge, Anthony Hill.
“It is an honor to stand before all of you today and express my gratitude to everyone present, especially Governor Lewis, Lt. Governor Antone, Community Manager Jones, the Community Council, employees, elders, and youth who have placed their trust in me to lead this department,” Angstead said during the ceremony.
His remarks were brief but pointed. Angstead pledged to lead with respect, transparency, and partnership, principles that resonated strongly with those in attendance.
Although his professional background is extensive, the challenges ahead will require more than experience. The Gila River Indian Community operates withing a cultural framework shaped by O’odham and Pee Posh traditions, tribal governance, and a long history of navigating relationships with external law enforcement agencies. Understanding this landscape will be essential to his leadership.
In the next edition of GRIN, a one-on-one interview with the new police chief is expected, where he will discuss priorities, vision, and first steps in leading the department.