Tacoma deputy police chief Paul Junger fired following workplace investigation
The Tacoma Police Department’s second in command, Deputy Chief Paul Junger, was fired Monday following the conclusion of an equal employment opportunity investigation, according to an internal statement from Interim Chief Patti Jackson.
Jackson’s statement said an external investigation resulted in sustained findings, but it did not explain what those findings are. A police spokesperson also did not speak to the details of the investigation.
A message sent to Junger’s work email on Monday returned with an auto reply stating that he was “no longer with the City of Tacoma.”
“We recognize that changes in leadership can raise questions and impact morale,” Jackson’s internal statement reads. “We also understand that this news will land differently for everyone. As a leadership team, we’re committed to acknowledging that range of emotions while continuing to build a culture grounded in professionalism, respect, and trust.”
The decision to fire Junger comes in the wake of a shakeup among the Police Department’s top brass. Former Police Chief Avery Moore resigned in February, and the department is now led by Jackson, who formerly spent decades working in the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Junger and Moore — who both came to Tacoma from the Dallas Police Department — were placed on administrative leave last year for investigations in separate matters. Junger was on paid leave for about three weeks until Nov. 13.
At the time, the Police Department provided few details about why Junger was being investigated but said an allegation was made against him. When he returned to the job, a police spokesperson said there wasn’t sufficient information to warrant keeping him on leave.
The News Tribune requested public records in February related to an allegation from a member of the department’s leadership team claiming Junger created a hostile work environment, but the public-disclosure request was denied March 6 on the grounds that the records were part of an active equal employment opportunity investigation.
It’s unclear who will fill Junger’s position. Jackson’s internal statement said the department remains “fully operational” and that its command staff was focused on ensuring a smooth transition.
“While changes like this can bring uncertainty, we are committed to maintaining stability and moving the agency forward—stronger and more unified,” Jackson said.
Junger was under the direction of Interim Chief Jackson. According to the Police Department’s website, the deputy chief’s duties include assisting in the direction of internal operations, directing assigned activities of the department and assuring the protection of lives, property and constitutional rights. The deputy chief also develops and implements department policies and goals.
Junger has worked at TPD as its deputy chief since 2022. According to his Linkedin, Junger worked in law enforcement in Dallas for more than 30 years, including as Lieutenant of Police from 2010 to 2015. He was the Major of Police before his departure.
The deputy chief was also named in a lawsuit filed in April last year alleging that Moore’s former chief of staff, Curtis Hairston, experienced racial bias and discrimination during his 18 months with TPD.
Hairston alleged Junger, whom he didn’t report to, once rudely instructed him to retrieve someone waiting for Junger, The News Tribune previously reported. When Hairston told Junger that he might as well have said, “Boy, go fetch me my guest,” Junger allegedly replied: “No. You will go do it because I am your boss and if I said, ‘Boy, go wash my car,’ you will do that too.
The lawsuit is ongoing in Pierce County Superior Court.
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 11:56 AM.
