Ron Harding has been named the new Poulsbo police chief, Mayor Becky Erickson said Thursday.

Harding has been a captain with the Redmond Police Department.

Harding has been in law enforcement for 25 years working with Redmond his entire career.

Since starting as a patrol officer, he has moved through the ranks working as a detective, lieutenant, commander, and assistant commander of the North Sound Metro Swat unit before becoming one of two captains in a department of 135.

Harding has an executive-level certification from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Ministry from Pepperdine University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Puget Sound Christian College.

Harding and his wife will be moving to the Poulsbo area soon. He will take the reins of the department Oct. 12.

Harding was one of five finalists who interviewed for the job.

He replaces Dan Schoonmaker, who retired in August after serving the community since December of 2016. He came to Poulsbo after 27 years in Westminster, CA.