WILTON — Selectmen unanimously voted Tuesday to confirm the appointment of Heidi Wilcox as the new police chief.

Wilcox, 45, of Weld, a 23-year veteran law enforcement officer, was welcomed with applause from the audience and hugs and handshakes from selectmen.

She is currently a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

Wilcox will oversee the Department of five officers and a community of more than 4,000 residents.

Her starting salary is $47,500. After six months of probation and a successful review, she would be paid $49,500. Her contract will run through June 30, 2013. She will begin her duties on Monday, Oct. 10.

Wilcox pledged that she and the Police Department will work with the community.

She has experience as an emergency dispatcher, a police officer, a special investigator, accident reconstructionist, sexual assault investigator and computer crime investigator during her career.

She was chosen from a pool of 25 candidates, seven from Maine and 18 from other states, Town Manager Rhonda Irish said.

Of the applicants, seven candidates, five men, two women, three from Maine and four from out of state, were interviewed by the interview committee consisting of two selectmen, Paul Gooch and D. Scott Taylor, three Wilton residents, Barry Hathaway, Richard Lumb and Tiffany Miauri, and two town employees, Frank Donald and interim police Chief Richard Billian Jr.

The interview committee unanimously recommended two candidates for final interviews, one from Maine and the other from out of state, Irish said.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Terry Brann and Irish conducted the final interview. The interview committee attended the final interview and also made their final recommendations to Brann and Irish.

The candidate from out of state withdrew his application.

“All those involved with the interview process recommended Heidi Wilcox,” Irish said.

Brann said there were only positive comments on Wilcox as he checked with references and other police departments.

Irish said in a prepared statement that she “strongly believes (Wilcox) will serve the residents of Wilton well as chief. Townspeople can expect honesty and integrity from Ms. Wilcox and she will lead a department that will earn the respect of residents, town officials and other law enforcement agencies and officials.”