A new era is underway in Lafayette.
The city swore in its new police chief, Friday.
Patrick Flannelly replaces Don Roush who is retiring to take a position in Purdue’s Krannert School of Management.
The two men worked together over the past two weeks in preparation of the transition.
Flannelly says that experience helped ready him for his new role.
“The past few weeks has given me time to absorb (the role of chief) and to start anticipating some of the things I'm going to need to be prepared for" he said. "When it's official, it does change things. It's like getting ready for a sports game or anything like that, there is always a little bit of excitement and anticipation leading up to it, but once the bell rings, we are ready to go.”
Roush says he believes Flannelly will succeed heading the department because of his record over the past 18-years on the force.
"He's got a good foundation for leadership and I think that's what they key is to becoming a good leader."
Flannelly previously served as a lieutenant.
The new chief says one of his primary goals is to enhance communication between the department and city residents.
Flannelly was instrumental in setting up a new social media site is up and running for Lafayette residents to share information on community safety. 'Nextdoor' is a free, private, network that allows neighbors to exchange information about their area.