A longtime Westmont resident who has worked his way up the ladder of the Westmont Police Department is set to be sworn in as its new chief.

Tom Mulhearn has been in the position on an interim basis for several months, and now, he is proud to be officially named to permanent police chief.

Mulhearn was appointed the new chief Thursday, Sept. 25. He is expected to be sworn in at the Westmont Village Board meeting Monday, Oct. 5.

Mulhearn said he was thankful to the village and the Westmont Village Board for giving him the opportunity to lead the department where he has served for 32 years.

“I am very proud and grateful for this opportunity,” Mulhearn said. “I have had a wonderful career, and have taken nothing for granted.”

He has been serving as acting chief since former chief Jim Ramey left the department in April to take a job with the FBI in St. Louis.

Mulhearn has more than 35 years in law enforcement, and has been with the Westmont Police Department since 1977, when he became a patrol officer. He has worked his way up the ranks, most recently serving as deputy chief of operations before being appointed to the interim position.

“Being in this department for so long, I have seen the great reputation this department has with the residents and businesses of this community,” Mulhearn said. “My goal is to maintain that reputation, and make it even better.”

In announcing the appointment, Village Manager Ron Searl said he is confident Mulhearn will continue to promote the high expectations and standards that the department has established.

“Tom provides leadership that will continue the department’s on-going improvement, development and preparation for future community and law enforcement challenges,” Searl said.

As well as earning numerous law enforcement awards and recommendations, Mulhearn has also been active in the community. He has been recognized as the 2007 Public Safety Officer of the Year by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2008 from the Westmont Rotary Club, the highest honor given by Rotary International, officials said.

While recent budget cuts by the village has led to some vacancies within the department, and cuts to some popular programs, Mulhearn said his main objective is to keep the positive reputation the department has, in spite of budget cuts.

“Every department is going through cuts, and we have to continue to do more with less,” he said. “We have a fantastic group of people that work for this department, and we still need to maintain a high level of service in the community.”