Shane Ware, currently a captain with the Vestavia Hills police department, on Monday was named the department’s new chief.

City Manager Jeff Downes appointed Ware, effective immediately, following the unexpected death of Chief Danny P. Rary on Aug. 1.

Ware began his career as a police officer in Bessemer in 1996 and started with the Vestavia Hills Police Department in 2000.

He progressed through the ranks, serving as a police officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and now police chief.

“This is a dream-of-a-lifetime opportunity and I am both humbled and honored to have been selected as the new police chief. I am eager to continue the mission of this great organization,” Ware said.

“The number of internal candidates eligible for the position speaks highly of our organization’s talent and capable leadership.”

Ware holds a master’s degree in Justice Administration from Faulkner University, a bachelor of arts in Business Administration from Birmingham-Southern College and many law enforcement related certifications.

Ware is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

“As the City Manager and appointing authority for Vestavia Hills, I had the honor of evaluating some of the most talented individuals in our region who sought to fill the position of Police Chief for Vestavia Hills – the safest city in Alabama,” Downes said.

“Chief Ware has supervised every division within the department during his two-plus decade career, been the recipient of multiple college degrees, both undergraduate and graduate, and proudly graduated from the FBI National Academy.

“Shane is a strategic thinker who will embrace the legacy of his mentor and predecessor, deceased Chief Dan Rary, while focusing on the opportunities to move the department forward in a cutting-edge manner. The Mayor, City Council and I have the greatest confidence in our new law enforcement leader and welcome him to this prominent role.”

The formal swearing-in ceremony for Ware will be at the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills City Hall.