CRANBERRY TWP — The township supervisors Thursday night approved hiring a new director of public safety.

David Gallagher will begin as director on Jan. 2 and earn an annual salary of $86,520.

Gallagher replaces Jeff Schueler, who retired in November after nine years in the position, but 36 years working for the township including his time as a police officer.

Schueler was among the staff members who conducted multiple rounds of interviews before recommending Gallagher for the position, township manager Jerry Andree said.

The director of public safety is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the township’s police, fire and EMS services as well as emergency management planning with other municipalities and agencies.

Gallagher has a background both as a paramedic and as a firefighter, Andree said.

He is the chief of the Stowe Township Volunteer Fire Department in Stowe Township, Allegheny County, where he lives. Until recently he was the owner of Northwest EMS, which is based in McKees Rocks and serves several municipalities in Allegheny County.

He also is a former deputy fire commissioner in Philadelphia and has worked as a paramedic.

“We liked his passion and we thought Mr. Gallagher’s vision is in line with what we want to do,” Andree said.

One project for the new director will be to work with the fire department on implementing a long-term strategic plan that was completed this year by a citizens committee. It made recommendations including hiring a second full-time employee and restructuring its leadership.

He also will oversee continued growth of the township police, which will add four new officers over the next two years, and the township EMS.