John Hays was named the new police chief of Butler Township on Monday night. His wife, Susan, pins his badge on his shirt after the appointment at the township building.

BUTLER TWP — “There's something special about your hometown,” said John Hays, who became chief of police in his hometown — Butler Township — Monday night.

The township commissioners appointed Hays to lead the department he's already held a badge with for more than three decades.

Hays' wife, Susan, pinned on his new badge.

“I'm looking forward to this challenge,” said Hays, 58.

Born and raised in the township, Hays graduated from Butler High School in 1972. He went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in law enforcement and corrections from Pennsylvania State University in May 1976. Later that year, he graduated the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Hays has spent his entire career working his way up the ranks of the same department.

He was hired by the township in 1979 to work the traffic squad. Ten years later in January 1989, he was assigned to investigations. About a year later, in November 1990, he was promoted to sergeant. A year after that, in July 1991, he was promoted to detective sergeant.

He been a lieutenant, which is second in command in the department, since September 2006.

“Being chief became a goal of mine,” said Hays, who noted it was a natural progression to his career in the community he loves.

Ben Simon, president of the commissioners, said, “He's proven himself over the years. I believe he has the respect of the commissioners and the officers. We are proud to have him as our chief.”

Hays replaces former chief Gary Garman, who retired Jan. 15 after about 40 years of police service, including 27 as the township's chief.

Garman wished Hays luck and said he is confident in his ability to do the job.

Garman, who noted Hays served as his lieutenant for a half-dozen years, called Hays knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest and “compassionate to the men as well as the people from the outside ... I have a lot of respect for him.”

Township manager Edward Kirkwood said officials interviewed no other candidates for the job.

“The board has every confidence in the world that John Hays is capable of managing this police department as chief,” Kirkwood said.

“He has the credentials, the experience, the training, desire and motivation. We believe he is a good fit for this position and a good fit for this department. He's a great fit for this community.”

As chief, Hays will be paid $80,908 annually. His salary as lieutenant was $77,608.

The lieutenant's position will remain vacant until further notice, Kirkwood said.

In addition to chief and lieutenant, the department has five sergeants, 14 patrol officers and two administrators.

Hays and his wife have three grown sons and six grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with family.