Location: St. Mary's Parish Center, Visalia

Incident Date: 2/17/18

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

Dep. Michael Castellanoz was named Officer of the Year during the Knights of Columbus Annual Public Safety Night Awards Dinner Feb. 17 at St. Mary's Parish Center in Visalia.

He is stationed as a patrol deputy out of the Sheriff's Headquarters Patrol Division and has been there since he was hired a year ago.

In his short time with the Sheriff's Office, Dep. Castellanoz has proven himself to be an extremely professional and caring deputy who is able to take into consideration all those involved while responding to 911 calls for service. He has shown compassion and empathy to everyone he contacts regardless if they are victims, witnesses, or those whom he places under arrest. 

Dep. Castellanoz has been known to patrol his assigned beat area with such tenacity that it stifles the criminal element. For example, he made an enforcement stop on an individual for a moving violation. The driver was found to be on probation for carjacking and had a suspended driver’s license. Inside the vehicle, Dep. Castellanoz found almost four pounds of processed marijuana.

During a recent burglary investigation, Dep. Castellanoz immediately conducted a follow up investigation which resulted in the identification and arrest of two suspects. In doing so, he was able to recover $3,500 worth of stolen property which was returned to the rightful owners.

As a final example, Deputies were sent to an address in Goshen for a report of a stabbing that had just occurred with the victim and suspects still on scene and 20 people fighting in the street.

First on the scene was Deputy Castellanoz who found the victim laying in the street with life-threatening injuries. He rendered aid to the victim until he was relieved by EMS. 

A witness then came forward and pointed out that the suspects were standing in their open garage around the corner. Deputy Castellanoz ran over to the suspects and held them at gunpoint until assisting deputies could secure them in handcuffs. Two suspects had blood on their hands and clothing. 

As Deputies detained the suspects, the crowd of neighbors applauded. The victim was transported to the hospital and survived his injuries. Deputy Castellanoz did an outstanding job as the first officer on scene. 

These are but a few examples of his professionalism and work ethic. His efforts are worthy of recognition.

Dep. Castellanoz was born and raised in Tulare County, graduating from Mt. Whitney High School in 2008. He graduated from the 130th Class of the Tulare Kings County Basic Peace Officer Academy in 2014.

 He is married to his wife, Ciara, and they reside in the community of Clovis. Dep. Castellanoz enjoys lifting weights and cooking.