There’s a new top cop in North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas has a new police chief.

Joe Chronister, who has served as acting police chief since June, will be the city's new top cop.

Chronister's appointment to the post was approved by the City Council on Wednesday.

His salary will be $166,954.

Mayor Shari Buck praised Chronister, saying he "always tells the truth, always tells it like it is."

He "represents this Police Department in a way that's courageous and admirable," she said.

Chronister, 47, choked up while thanking the council.

"This is a humbling experience," he said, "but one I don't take lightly. I've been blessed."

Chronister took over from former Police Chief Joseph Forti, who was one of 10 high-ranking officials in the city who took a buyout last year. Forti, who spent 30 years with the city's Police Department and two years as chief, accepted a buyout package of $215,572 and left his post on June 3.

Chronister has been with the department about 21 years and will manage about 300 officers.