The town of Highland has a new police chief. Ralph Potesta took the oath of office during Monday's town council meeting.
He said he has big shoes to fill, but he's ready for the challenge. "I don't know if you all know this about me, but I was born and raised in Highland. I graduated from Highland High School in 1985, and I got hired here in 1989 at 22 years old. I've been here for 33 years. So, this town is my heart and soul," Potesta told council members.
Potesta replaces the town's longest-serving police chief, Pete Hojnicki, who led the department for almost 21 years. Hojnicki said Highland is a truly special place.
"We've experienced several successes during my tenure, to some of the lowest crime rates Highland has experienced in the last 50-plus years. However, I was only a facilitator for the team's efforts. I've had the opportunity to work alongside individuals much more talented than myself," he added.
Council members approved a change to the town's salary ordinance, to compensate Hojnicki for his unused comp time, holidays and vacation days.
