The city of New London swore in its new police chief Wednesday evening.
Chief Peter Reichard is officially the top cop.
It was an emotional moment for Reichard, the city's former deputy chief. He's been with the New London Police Department for about five and a half years and has been acting chief since last November. Before that, Reichard spent 22 years with New Haven Police.
Reichard told NBC Connecticut that it was his privilege to represent a city he cares about as much as New London.
"It's hard to really express it. Excited, humbled, very proud that I was selected to run the New London Police Department," Reichard said. "I look forward to moving the agency forward."
Reichard's wife Colleen and 10-year-old son Joshua pinned his new badge on his uniform.
The new chief addressed the crowd at New London High School saying he was "a little bit nervous standing in front of a group of great people."
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"Being a cop was all I ever wanted," Reichard said. "I never wanted to be anything else."
Reichard addressed the hard work of his officers and their heroic deeds that protect the community. "We're just regular people doing extraordinary things," he said.
Mayor Michael Passero said Reichard's leadership has been invaluable to the city and he earned the position.
"This is a diverse community and we're proud to have you lead it," Passero said.
Police chiefs and officers from Norwich Police, Mohegan Tribal Police, Amtrak Police, Town of Groton Police, Ledyard Police, Waterford Police and East Lyme police were all in attendance.
