GROVELAND — It's official — Robert Kirmelewicz is the town's new police chief and Jeffrey Gillen is deputy chief.

A swearing-in ceremony was held at Town Hall this week for the new Police Department leaders.

Gillen has been on the Groveland police force since 1990 and Kirmelewicz since 1989.

Kirmelewicz first worked as police officer in Rowley four years. He came to Groveland in 1989 as a patrolman, and was promoted to sergeant in 2002.

When former Chief Ronald Weeks retired, Kirmelewicz applied for the position. He was made acting chief and eventually permanent chief.

Kirmelewicz said the contract that he and Gillen have with the selectmen is for three years. He said it calls for him to make $80,000 as chief, up from his $68,000 sergeant's salary. He said Gillen will make $75,000 as deputy, up from his $66,000 sergeant's pay.

Because they have master's degrees in criminal justice, both men receive an additional 25 percent of those salaries from the state. This means Kirmelewicz will make $100,000 in total and Gillen $93,700.

Kirmelewicz said the contract is still being typed up, but everything on it is finalized and agreed to.

He has wasted no time getting into the job. He has already purchased a new cruiser, a 2008 Dodge Charger, and plans to have the older cruisers painted black and white to match it.

"I want to bring the department into the future," Kirmelewicz said.

The chief and deputy said they also plan to improve the department's relationship with town officials.

"We want to work closer with the community and have a better relationship with the town officials," Gillen said.

Groveland's three selectmen were present at the ceremony and spoke a few words after the officers were sworn in by Town Clerk Anne Brodie.

"We have better times ahead for the Groveland police," said Selectman Donald Greaney.

"It was a long process, but we ended up getting the guys we wanted," said Selectman William Darke.

"Both these men are gentlemen," said Selectman Elizabeth A. Gorski. "We are very proud of them."