Stamford Mayor David Martin hosted a public reception Wednesday for Chris Murtha, the police department's newest chief.

Murtha, who hails from Prince Georges County, Maryland, says he applied for the job in part because he has several family members living here.

"I am a police guy," he told News 12. "My wife will tell you we have not taken a vacation in years."

He also says that his daughter is a soccer player for the University of Wisconsin.

During his tenure, the chief says he hopes to help the city release public information more quickly.

Prince Georges County's police department is currently facing a discrimination lawsuit, but Murtha downplayed the legal action.

Not everyone was on board with the choice: Stamford Rep. John Zelinsky says he is disappointed that someone from the area was not chosen.