Spokane’s assistant police chief stepped down from his position on Thursday. Police spokeswoman Monique Cotton said Craig Meidl, who has served in the department since 1994, will return to patrol in the rank of lieutenant, his civil service rank before he was named assistant chief. The department “will not immediately fill the position,” Cotton said. City officials say the move was completely voluntary. Meidl was promoted to assistant chief by Chief Frank Straub in December 2012. He was a surprise pick because Straub bypassed Scott Stephens, who was then serving as assistant chief. Stephens had been the interim chief before Straub arrived in Spokane. Cotton said that Meidl would not be available for an interview. “In all of the positions he has held, Craig has done an exceptional job and has shown outstanding dedication to the department,” said a statement released by Cotton.