PORT ORCHARD — It’s official: Sgt. Donna Main is the new deputy police chief of the Port Orchard Police Department.

The lifelong Port Orchard resident and South Kitsap High School graduate replaces Deputy Chief Dale Schuster, who retired last month after 35 years in the police department.

According to the law enforcement agency, Main joined the force after 15 years in the private sector.

“Deputy Chief Main is a decorated peace officer with a history of commendations, community recognition and letters of praise,” Police Chief Matt Brown said on Dec. 31 when Main’s appointment was made official. He called her a “consummate professional, lifelong learner and [a] bridge from where we have been to where we are going.

“She is uniquely in tune with the needs of our community and the needs of the men and women of this department. She is absolutely the right person, and the best person, to help lead our agency.”

Main has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and sports psychology from Western Washington University and is a 2020 recipient of the Trilogy Award from FBI-LEEDA.

Her predecessor, former Deputy Police Chief Dale Schuster, said of Main: “As a sergeant, Donna proved to be a true leader and I know she will continue to do so as second in command. She has a servant’s heart and will make this city proud.”

Main’s responsibilities will include leading commissioned staff as well as handling the day-to-day operational management of the police department.