CANARIO

BRISTOL — The town has a new police chief.

Josue “Josh” Canario, a 22-year veteran of the town’s Police Department, was sworn in as the next chief yesterday. The previous day, Town Administrator Diane C. Mederos announced she had appointed Canario, 42, who was the acting chief and the town’s first deputy chief for four years. Canario has served as a patrolman, undercover narcotics investigator, patrol supervisor and adjutant.

“He’s had the best training of all, being the second-in-charge. He was the logical choice and the best choice,” Mederos said yesterday. “Not only does he have a love for the department, he loves police work. You can tell. He’s a very good role model as well.”

Mederos said that Canario relates well to individuals and to the community.

“I witnessed personally several times where he interacted well with the public,” she said. “He understands Bristol very well. He has a respect for the community that is very obvious.”

His salary is still being negotiated, she said, but the range of pay will likely be $75,000 to $77,000 a year.

Twenty-four people applied to succeed Col. Russell S. Serpa, who announced last fall that he would retire after 11 years as chief. About half of the applicants were from Bristol, including several who are members of the department. The hiring process included a questionnaire, a written examination and interviews

“People expected this would happen quickly, and it took more time than we thought it would because of the extensiveness of the process,” Mederos said.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Burnside Memorial Building.

“We had a very nice crowd of people to support him and wish him well,” said Mederos. “He’s clearly anxious to get started.”

rsalit@projo.com