AUBURN, November 27, 2019 — Mayor Nancy Backus announced Tuesday evening that she has appointed Daniel O'Neil to the position of interim chief for the Auburn Police Department. Mark Caillier will continue to serve as assistant chief.

"I believe with this leadership team, we have each leader aligned with their best strengths," said Mayor Backus.

O'Neill will serve as interim chief until at least June 30, 2020.

He began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the City of Auburn. He spent his first three and a half years working primarily graveyard patrol. In 2003, he became a field training officer, which made him responsible for teaching academy graduates the practical application of state law, city ordinance, and department policy and procedures. In 2005, O'Neil became a generalist canine handler, working with two separate dogs over six years. In July of 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, he was assigned to patrol, property crimes, special investigations, and administrative services. He was promoted to Commander in March of 2017. O'Neil has a Master's Degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership from Saint Cloud State University. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology from Eastern Washington University and an Associate of Arts Degree from Green River College. He has also completed the International Association Chiefs of Police, Leadership in Police Organizations course and recently graduated from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce South Puget Sound Leadership Institute.