At a recent City Council meeting in Federal Way, a ceremony marked the beginning of careers for four new police officers and celebrated the promotions of two seasoned members of the force. The Jan. 7 event saw Mayor Jim Ferrell administer the oath of office to the newly minted officers joining the ranks of the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD).
According to the City of Federal Way, the officers, Christian Buitron, Bailey Lopp, Andrew Dye, and Brian Kerrigan, have successfully graduated from the Police Academy and are presently undergoing their FWPD Field Training Program. As fresh faces in law enforcement, they represent the latest addition to an evolving department.
The ceremony also recognized the advancement of two FWPD veterans. Corporal Ricardo Cuellar, a California native who has been with FWPD since 2017, was promoted to the rank of police lieutenant. His colleague, Officer Daniel Graf, with 19 years under his belt and 14 of those spent with the Federal Way team, was elevated to the role of police corporal.
"These officers are quality individuals and people of integrity, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our team and serving our community," FWPD Chief Andy Hwang said, in the statement made by the City of Federal Way. These remarks underscore executive confidence in the officers and highlight the department's direction toward fostering a police force with a foundation built on integrity and community trust.
