Butler officials on Tuesday swore in new chiefs for the city's police and fire departments.

Mayor Ben Smith announced at Tuesday City Council forum meeting that he has appointed Robert O'Neill, an officer in the Adams township Police Department, as police chief. At the same meeting, council members unanimously approved and appointed Christopher Switala, the Butler Township fire marshal, as fire chief.

“I'm 100 percent in,” O'Neill said, after admitting he thought he was going to meet with council Tuesday and didn't realize his appointment was going to be announced.

His first day on the job is Nov. 1. The police chief's annual salary is $89,175 and O'Neill will be paid a pro-rated portion of that amount.

“I'm excited for the opportunity to work in the city,” O'Neill said after the meeting. “I'm glad to be part of its resurgence.”

He said his 20 years experience in law enforcement began with working as an officer with the Pittsburgh Housing Authority Police Department.

After 18 months he landed a job with the Cranberry Township Police Department, where he became a corporal and detective during his 17 years of service. He currently is an officer in Adams Township and has worked for the Butler County Drug Task force.

O'Neill said he has a bachelor's degree from Duquesne University and a master's degree from Geneva College.

O'Neill said his father and two brothers are also police officers.

“I come from a big family of law enforcement,” he said.

O'Neill said his initial plans as the new chief are to meet with department officers and to establish a good relationship with them and the community.

“I look forward to hitting the ground running,” O'Neill said.

He is also passionate about football and serves as the coach of the Central Catholic High School 9th grade team, and used to coach in the Seneca Valley youth league.

The department has been without a chief since former chief Ron Brown retired in July.

The fire chief's position has been vacant since Nick Ban retired in 2016.