Debora Tandal today became the third woman to attain the rank of assistant chief in the Honolulu Police Department.

A graduate of Kaua'i High and Chaminade University, Tandal earned a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. Her Honolulu police career spans 28 years, and Tandal is being promoted from commander of the Pearl City patrol district.

Chief Boisse Correa announced that Tandal is succeeding retiring Assistant Chief John Kerr as head of the Support Services Bureau, which oversees the Communications Division, Information Technology Division, Records & Identification Division, Legislative Liaison Office and Vehicle Maintenance Section.

Tandal's promotion is effective Sunday.

Capt. Alexander Ahlo, the Pearl City district's executive officer, will serve as acting commander.

Barbara Uphouse Wong and Donna Anderson both retired from the department as assistant chiefs. Wong, who left in 2000, went on to earn a law degree and has been the state Campaign Spending Commission's executive director since 2005. Anderson now lives in Florida.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.