Monroe has named its fifth police chief in the history of the town.

Keith White has been on the force for 27 years. He worked his way up from patrol to detective to captain - and soon to be chief.

"The job is almost completely about relationships. It's about relationships in the building, it's about relationships with people outside the building and I enjoy working with people," said White.

Current Monroe Police Chief John Salvatore is retiring after 23 years. He highly recommended White for the job.

"He's known by everyone in the community, in the department. Everybody knows what his strengths are," said Salvatore.

White, who's late father was a police chief in Shelton, says he's happy he has taken a similar path.

"I do enjoy the fact that we've had such similar careers and I think if he were here he would be proud of where I am today, as am I," said White.

White was instrumental in organizing Monroe's response to the Sandy Hook School shooting.

He starts his new job on Feb. 26.

The Monroe Police Commission unanimously agreed to name White as its new chief.

He was given a standing ovation at the meeting.