By Scott Bandle

Vinita Park officials appointed Richard Fairman as the city's new police chief following the Feb. 3 death of Michael Webb.

At a recent meeting, Mayor Virginia Bira appointed Fairman with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. Fairman, as lieutenant and assistant chief, had run the department since November, after Webb was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

"(Fairman) was the obvious choice," Bira said. "This was something we had to take care of quickly for the good of the city. I know Chief Webb would have approved."

Fairman was pleased but a little surprised at the speed of the decision.

"I appreciate the mayor and the board having the confidence in me to do the job," he said.

Fairman was assistant chief for nine of his 22 years with the Vinita Park Police Department.

"Richard knows Vinita Park well," Bira said. "He's worked here for a long time. It's a sensible choice."

Webb had been with the Vinita Park police for 35 years, working up the ranks before becoming chief in 2001.

"He was a great chief," Fairman said. "I hope I remember everything he taught me. Those are big shoes to fill."

With Fairman's promotion, other department officers moved up the ranks. Richard Aites was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, filling Fairman's old position. Detective Scot Haywood becomes detective sergeant and the department's lead investigator.