Avalon Police Officer Tom Kokoski has been hired as the borough's new police chief.

A search for a replacement for current Chief Robert Howie -- who will retire later this month after a dozen years in the position -- took months and involved a great deal of debate and conversation, according to council safety committee chairman Patrick Narcisi.

"It was a very difficult decision," Narcisi said at a special council meeting held Tuesday to hire a new chief.

Council opted to hire a consultant to lead the search, and looked at many candidates before deciding unanimously to hire Kokoski, 36, who has been a police officer for 12 years. He has worked as a full-time officer in Avalon for nearly six years, and worked part-time for the department for two years prior to that. He also worked part-time for Stowe Township.

"I feel you made the right decision," Mayor David Haslett told council. "It's going to be a new era in Avalon."

Narcisi said that Kokoski has impressed officials for years with his enthusiasm and energy, which resulted in efforts such as undercover investigations that produced large drug busts.

Council member Tom Lloyd said that he was impressed by Kokoski's responses during an interview for the chief's position.

"I was astonished by your pride, not only in yourself, but in this borough," Lloyd told Kokoski.

Kokoski admitted that he does have a great deal of pride, especially in Avalon.

"I hope to show you that over the next 20 years," he told council.

Kokoski thanked council for their confidence in him, and promised to live up to their expectations.

"I'm going to bring a lot to this department," he said. "We're going to move forward with everything."

Kokoski will be sworn in at council's regular meeting on May 19.