WATERTOWN, S.D.(KWAT)– Tim Toomey has been named Watertown’s next police chief.

The action came on a unanimous vote at Monday night’s city council meeting.

Toomey, whose been the assistant chief for the past eight years, replaces Police Chief Lee McPeek, who retires next month after 27 years with the department.

Mayor Sarah Caron was asked to explain why she appointed Toomey as chief, rather than advertising the position and going through the interviewing and hiring process.

Toomey knows he has big shoes to fill, but told the council he can’t wait to get started…

Toomey officially takes the reins as police chief at 5:00 p.m. on April 9th.