November 25, 2024

Four New Police Officers Receive Oath of

Office at City Council Meeting

Four new police officers were sworn in by Mayor Jim Ferrell at the Nov. 19 City Council Meeting. From left to right: Paola Tovar, Joshua Toney, Josie Palmer, and Tristan Wood.

At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, four new police officers received the Oath of Office from Mayor Jim Ferrell. The four officers are entry-level police officers who recently graduated from the Police Academy and are currently in the Federal Way Police Department's (FWPD) Field Training Program.

"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," said FWPD Chief Andy Hwang. "Please join me in welcoming the newest members of the Federal Way Police Department."

Here is some information about each of the new officers:

Officer Tristan Wood: Tristan was born in Federal Way and grew up in Auburn. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Psychology from Liberty University. Prior to joining FWPD, Tristan worked as a chiropractic assistant. Tristan enjoys playing guitar, singing, and recording music. He performs at various venues around the Puget Sound area. Tristan also enjoys rock climbing, practicing jiu-jitsu, and traveling. He graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Aug. 29.  

Officer Josie Palmer: Josie was born in Eugene, Ore., but graduated from Vashon High School after moving to Washington. Prior to joining our agency, Josie worked in customer service for Costco and was most recently a nurse’s assistant for Ashley House NW. In her youth, Josie was a police explorer with the King County Sheriff’s Office and a fire explorer for Vashon Fire and Rescue. Josie enjoys snowboarding, horseback riding, and hiking. She also loves spending time with her daughters and traveling. Josie graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Aug. 29.

Officer Joshua Toney: Josh was raised in Auburn and graduated from Auburn Mountainview High School before attending Boise State University. Prior to joining FWPD, Josh worked as a sales and operations manager for Shift Processing. Josh graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Oct. 30. He finished second in academics, first in practical exercises, and second overall in the class. Josh enjoys practicing jiu-jitsu, engaging in outdoor activities, lifting weights, and working on his dirt bike. He also enjoys spending time with his family and at church. Josh is engaged to his fiancé Perla.

Officer Paola Tovar: Paola was born in San Jose, Calif., and raised in Puyallup where she graduated from Rogers High School. Prior to joining FWPD, Paola worked as an assistant operations manager for Damco Distribution. In her free time, Paola enjoys being outdoors, running, hiking, and bike riding with her son. Paola lives with her husband Sonny and their four-year-old son Jeremiah. Paola graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Oct. 30.

Council Attends Conference in Tampa

Mere weeks after Hurricane Milton made landfall, Tampa, Fla., welcomed more than 4,000 members of the National League of Cities (NLC) for the Annual City Summit Conference. This year marked the centennial celebration of the organization and featured an all-star line-up of speakers, exhibitors, tours, and workshops.

All seven Federal Way Councilmembers embarked on the journey to Tampa, meeting with civic leaders from around the country and learning about the history of Tampa. While there, members of the Council attended sessions dedicated to advancements in artificial intelligence for governments, building strong local economies, housing stability and community resilience, and workforce development.

Speakers included NLC’s CEO Clarence Anthony, award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, alpine skiing Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, and international keynote speaker Crystal Washington.

The content, speakers, community, and weather did not disappoint. The Council thanks Tampa Mayor Jane Castor for her hospitality.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs

Breakfast Event

Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Good Eggs Breakfast at Emerald Downs on Nov. 20. The event was hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. Washington State Secretary of State Steve Hobbs was the featured speaker at the event. Secretary Hobbs discussed his priorities and the actions he’s taken to ensure greater election security. He also gave a detailed overview of our elections process and all the safeguards that protect our right to vote.

Community Gardening Workshop

Community members took part in a free workshop on container gardening, put on by the City of Federal Way Environmental Services on Nov. 23. Participants learned helpful gardening tips, including soil health and how to maximize small spaces, from expert instructors from Tilth Alliance. This class was offered in both Spanish and English at the El Centro de la Raza community space in Federal Way.

Various “Green Living” Workshops are put on throughout the year and can be found on the city website. 

Additional Yard Waste & Debris Collection

Attention Federal Way residential customers who subscribe to yard and food waste collection: You may include up to 96 gallons of additional yard waste with your regular collection at no extra charge beginning today (Monday, Nov. 25), through Friday, Dec. 6.

This 96 gallons of yard and food waste is equivalent to three 32-gallon Kraft paper yard waste bags.

Find more information on the Waste Management website.

Watch the Nov. 19 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the city's YouTube channel or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 7

Join us for our annual free Tree Lighting

Ceremony at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Town Square Park. All ages are welcome to enjoy this magical holiday event.

The ceremony will include:

• A visit from Santa.
• Live music.
• Free cocoa and cookies.
• Tree lighting ceremony by the Mayor.

Thank you to our sponsors, Federal Way Arts Commission, Sylvan Learning, and MultiCare.

State of the City Scheduled for Feb. 13

SAVE THE DATE. Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Hear an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future.

This special evening is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward. Let’s come together to honor our city and explore what’s ahead.

Jingle Bell Brunch Dec. 7

Join us for a magical morning with the guy in the red suit at our Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Federal Way Community Center. The brunch is $17 per person.

Dance in the snow, create crafts and memories you won't soon forget with your family at this, one of our most beloved events! Cocoa and coffee station generously provided by We <3 Our City.

All families can participate in our cutest family pajama contest.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Make special memories with special little ones in your life decorating cookies and leave the mess to us! Attend our Cookies with Mrs. Claus event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Federal Way Community Center.

Entry is $5 per person (including both kids and adults). We supply you with everything you need to make some masterpiece cookies PLUS you get to have a special visit with Mrs. Claus.

Each kid in attendance will receive a plate with five sugar cookies to decorate.

View Our Parks & Recreation Winter and Spring Program Guide

The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of fun recreational activities for residents of all ages.

Take a moment and check out our Winter and Spring Program Guide to find an activity, new or old, that will get you up, moving and out of the house!



Download Our New Parks & Recreation Mobile App

Check out the brand-new Federal Way Parks & Recreation mobile app, your handy hub for everything parks and the Federal Way Community Center (FWCC).

The app provides convenient FWCC cordless entry, instant updates and schedules with push notifications, fitness and pool schedules, and easy program registration. 



Free Mattress Recycling and Document Shredding Event Dec. 14

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Mattress Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Mattress Recycling

• Residents can drop off up to three mattresses or box springs for recycling.
• All sizes and conditions allowed.

Document Shredding

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
• No pre-shredded paper.
• Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.

Free Online Class: Put Your Garden to Bed

Join us on Zoom for a free online gardening class on Monday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants should register in advance at the link below.

In this class, we will discuss:

• An overview of soil health, benefits of organic matter, and soil testing.
• Using mulch to protect garden soil and plants, encouraging microorganisms, and adding nutrients.
• Choosing the right plants for winter planting and to support beneficial wildlife.
• Planning for the next growing season.

Holiday Festival at the Performing Arts

& Events Center Nov. 30

Arts Foundation Federal Way invites you and your family to the 2024 Holiday Festival, a free community event hosted at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join in a morning filled with holiday cheer featuring festive crafts, a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a visit with Santa, and family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

No need to register to attend—simply bring your friends and family, and join in on the 30th to celebrate the season of giving.

PAEC Upcoming Events

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the PAEC on Dec. 8

The critically acclaimed live stage show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical returns this fall to entertain families at theatres across North America.

The national tour featuring the “most famous reindeer of all” and his friends from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will soar into Federal Way at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center on Dec. 8.

Federal Way Symphony Season

South King Fire Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive

Volunteers Needed for Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Event Dec. 21

Winter Bonsai Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum on Dec. 14