The Calera City Council picked Capt. Tommy Palmer as the city’s new police chief Monday, filling the void left by Jim Finn this week.

Palmer has been a captain with the Calera force since 2001 and has more than 15 years

experience in police work. When Finn resigned in June to train police officers in Iraq, he automatically recommended Palmer as his successor.

&uot;I was flattered that chief Finn would recommend me to the city council,&uot; Palmer said. &uot;I’m definitely flattered that the council picked me as the city’s new chief.&uot;

The city council voted unanimously for Palmer’s selection, and Calera Mayor George Roy expressed confidence in his new police chief.

&uot;Tommy has served the city of Calera for some time now,&uot; he said. &uot;I am confident in his abilities to oversee our police department.&uot;

Palmer had been serving as interim police chief for two weeks until the council could make its decision. He said he has a few plans in mind for the department, but right now he is just happy to serve the city.

&045;&045; Brandon Gresha