PORTLAND — The city has a new chief of police, who will earn a salary of $95,000 a year.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday night to appoint Michael Sauschuck as police chief.

Sauschuck’s starting annual salary, recommended by City Manager Mark Rees, is slightly higher than the salaries of his predecessors.

James Craig was earning $93,000 when he left Maine in August to take a job as police chief in Cincinnati. And before Craig, Chief Tim Burton, who left Portland to take a job in Texas, earned $91,500.

Rees, who set the salary, was unable to attend Monday’s meeting. His mother died Saturday.

But in a letter to the council, Rees said that Sauschuck was chosen after a nationwide search that drew more than 80 applications. Sauschuck, he said, has been with the police department for 15 years.

Mayor Michael Brennan said Sauschuck “has the right blend of humor and intelligence to make an exemplary chief.”

Capt. Vern Malloch competed for the chief’s job, and said, “I knew (Sauschuck) was going to be a tough man to beat.”

Malloch praised Sauschuck, saying he will be a fair, transparent and compassionate leader.

“People who work in the police station have trust and respect for him,” Malloch said.

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at: dhoey@pressherald.com

 

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