A Grove City policeman shook hands with borough council members Monday night after he was named the first-ever assistant police chief by a majority vote.

Dean E. Osborne will now be Chief Richard Jazwinski’s right hand man. He has been a Grove City patrolman for over 12 years, said Mayor Marvin Baker.

Osborne’s appointment came through the recommendation of the police and fire committee.

"We’re very happy with our selection," said Michael Cooney, chair. "We anticipate he’ll serve the community very well and be an excellent leader."

The committee received about 12 applications for the position, interviewing four potentials in the spring. Osborne was called back for a second interview two weeks ago.

Cooney said Osborne is a Pulaski Township resident and has six months to make his residency within the Grove City Area School District.

His new position will cover management duties assigned by the chief, Cooney said. His salary will begin at $42,000, which is $2,315 less than Jazwinski’s, he said.

The committee decided to seek out an assistant chief a year ago to aid Jazwinski and to give officers more of a hierarchy to work toward.

"We’ve had sergeants before, but never an assistant chief," Cooney said.

The last sergeant on the Grove City force was Carl Dawes, who retired last year. The police and fire committee have not yet decided whether it will seek out another sergeant.

Since Osborne has only switched titles, the Grove City force has not diminished. However, the police and fire committee still must decide whether it will add another full-time policeman to replenish the number of policemen on the street. Besides Osborne and Jazwinski, there are six, Cooney said.

"I’m looking forward to the opportunity," Osborne said.