Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell announced today that he has named Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) interim Chief Andy Hwang as permanent chief.

The appointment is subject to Council approval, which is scheduled for the Council’s regular meeting on March 18.

“During the past two-and-a-half months as interim chief, Andy has proven to be an outstanding leader for Federal Way’s Police Department,” Ferrell said in a press release from the city. “Andy is a person of exceptional character and integrity, and has demonstrated his commitment to community service and public safety throughout his career.”

Hwang had served in the interim role since mid-January, when former police Chief Brian Wilson was named as Ferrell’s chief of staff. The new chief has been involved with FWPD since its inception, an asset that Ferrell said made him an easy choice for the city’s top cop.

“Over the past 18 years, Chief Hwang has served the city of Federal Way with honor and distinction. He is well respected in the Federal Way community and by his colleagues in the law enforcement profession,” the mayor said in the release. “I am excited about this appointment and look forward to Chief Hwang’s leadership of the Police Department as he continues and improves its standards of excellence and service to the community.”

Hwang said he was honored to be named as chief, and continues to hope to serve Federal Way to the best of his ability.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the men and women of our department, who sacrifice their safety to protect our citizens,” the new chief said. “In my mind, there is no nobler profession than that of providing safety and security to the community. And there is no better community to serve than Federal Way.”

Hwang has 26 years of police experience, serving eight years with the Olympia Police Department before coming to Federal Way in 1996 and being hired as one of the department’s original members.

He had served as deputy chief since 2006, and had also briefly served as the assistant chief of police from 2009-2010. He is active in the community as a board member for Woodstone Credit Union and Federal Way Advancing Leadership. He also serves with the Federal Way Noon Kiwanis International Club and Adopt-a-Family.