The Federal Way Police Department’s newly-appointed Deputy Chief Stephan Neal was sworn in during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Neal has been with the Federal Way Police Department for almost 19 years and has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience. With this promotion, he will have division responsibility and will oversee the Support Services Division within the department.

Neal is a proven leader, a person of exceptional character and integrity and has demonstrated his commitment to community service and public safety throughout his career, according to a city media release.

He began his law enforcement career in Pueblo County, Colorado. In 1996, he joined the Federal Way Police Department as a founding member. Neal worked in the patrol until he was promoted to lieutenant in 1999. He was promoted to the rank of commander in 2001.

Neal has spent the last 14 years in a command level position and has worked every section of the department. He was the acting deputy chief of police from May 2009 until May 2010.

He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kaplan University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session No. 224 and is an active member of the National Academy Associates.

He was one of only 460 bomb squad commanders in the country and he holds a top secret clearance related to that position.

Neal is Executive Level Certified through the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission. He is also a trainer in the Leadership for Police Organizations program. During his tenure with the Federal Way Police Department, Neal received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Certificate of Merit.