NORWAY – Acting Police Chief Rob Federico is acting no more. On Thursday he was appointed to the top post in the Norway Police Department.

The Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 in favor of his nomination. Members Bill Damon, Russell Newcomb, Bob Walker and George Tibbetts Jr. were present. Chairman Leslie Flanders was not at Thursday’s meeting.

There was little fanfare as Federico assumed his new post, which took effect immediately. The longtime Norway sergeant was far from a shoo-in candidate, however. Over the last several months he has competed in an open application process and had extensive interviews, a background check, a lie-detector test and a psychological examination.

“Obviously I’m relieved that the process is over with,” Federico said after the meeting. He noted the path to his new position has been both interesting and educational.

Federico said one of his first steps as chief will be to focus on community relations.

“The officers need to be involved in the community – it’s a small town and you need to know the community,” he said.

He also said he would like to see the Police Department become more involved with Guy E. Rowe Elementary School, possibly starting up new after-school programs.

“I’m very pleased,” Damon said of Federico’s nomination.

“As am I,” added Newcomb, who made mention of the lengthy hiring process.

Federico has been filling the role of chief since April, when former Chief Tim Richards was fired after having a protection-from-abuse order filed against him by a former female patrol officer.