Fort Bragg Police Swears-In Thomas O’Neal as New Police Captain

Former Fort Bragg Police Sergeant Thomas O’Neal was sworn in as Police Captain in an outdoor ceremony on the steps of City Hall yesterday. Members of City Council, City staff, the Fort Bragg Police Department, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital, Fort Bragg Unified School District, and the Captain’s family were in attendance. Police Chief John Naulty introduced O’Neal and summarized the new Captain’s contributions to the Department and to the community. City Clerk June Lemos administered the Oath of Office while O’Neal’s wife, Chantell O’Neal, the City’s Assistant Director of the Engineering Division, pinned a new badge on his uniform. The O’Neals were accompanied by their children, Audie, Pirate and Symphony.

Thomas O’Neal served ten years in the US Army, most recently as Platoon Sergeant. After completing the Butte Police Academy, he joined the Fort Bragg Police Department in 2013 and was promoted to Police Sergeant in 2018. O’Neal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration as well as two AA degrees. While at the City, the Captain has updated the Department’s policies and procedures manuals and brought the Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Field Training Program up to current 2021 POST guidelines.

Chief Naulty stated, “Thomas strives for professionalism and is committed to upgrading training and requiring a higher standard for all our officers to follow. He has assisted me with the challenges we have all faced, especially this last year. I look forward to working with Captain O’Neal and the rest of the supervisors to maintain a higher standard for all personnel of this department.” The goal of the Fort Bragg Police Department is to provide excellent service, build community trust and ensure the quality of life of the community. As Captain, Thomas O’Neal will continue to help the City to further those goals.