Police groups endorse Michael Calles for Glendale council

Dave Goitia

Submitted photo/Glendale Fraternal Order of Police

OPINION — Upon recommendation by the Glendale Fraternal Order of Police, the Arizona FOP has endorsed Michael Calles for Barrel District councilmember.

Michael, a fourth-generation Arizonan, is also a retired Phoenix police officer and a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Army. 

Michael is keenly aware of the growing violence being directed at law enforcement across our country. In 2025, a police officer in the United States was shot in the line of duty about once every day. Since the start of 2021, over 2,000 police officers have been shot in the line of duty across our country. And assaults on American law enforcement are trending upward.

Michael pledged he will do everything in his power to protect our Glendale Police Officers from it. 

Michael is equally protective of our brother and sister firefighters. Studies from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety tell us that firefighters’ cancer risks are significantly higher than the general population. Alarmingly, cancer is currently the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of those who run toward burning fire. 

Michael took the time to discuss with law enforcement these issues impacting our brothers and sisters with fire. Why? This is where his two-decades plus of service as a first responder were obvious.

Michael understands first responder culture. And he made it clear to us that he will prioritize the safety and well-being of those in Glendale who so quickly become the physical, life-preserving manifestation of emergency calls for help.

Dave Goitia is president of the Glendale Fraternal Order of Police and second vice president of the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. A 25-year police veteran, he received President George W. Bush’s 2008 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. Glendale FOP represents 380 active/sworn police officers and 155 retired Glendale police officers. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.