NEDERLAND — Nederland city has named its new police chief and he bears a familiar face — Gary Porter.

Porter, assistant chief, was among nine candidates and four finalists to replace retiring Chief Darrell Bush.

The City Council went into a brief, closed session before unanimously appointing Porter, 59, before a packed room.

“I want to thank council for their confidence and consideration,” Porter said. “I will do my very best and not let any of you down or the citizens.”

He gave kudos to Bush and to Councilman Billy Neal, who is a retired police chief for whom he worked. When Porter was hired in 1981 Neal spoke of “community policing,” a term that has become a buzzword of sorts.

“He understood that you take care of your community and they take care of you,” Porter said.

Bush said all the applicants were top notch.

“This as not an easy decision for council, it was so close,” Bush said.

Applicants included Officer Kristopher Boneau, Sgt. Nicky Matt, Sgt. Cody Corkran, Det. Casey Maxwell, Sgt. Andy Arnold, Assistant Chief Gary Porter, Sgt. David Odom, Det. Corey Mendoza, and Officer Karl Leone. Finalists included Porter, Arnold, Matt and Boneau.

Mayor Richard “Dick” Nugent agreed with Bush on the quality of the applicants.

“In the beginning there were so many good, well-trained people involved. It was very difficult,” Nugent said. “Then we started to size the group up. And the window got smaller. It was competitive. Obviously, we made a very, very good decision. He has a history with the city and we are happy, and lucky to have somebody of that quality.”

Nugent called Porter an outstanding choice and said that the council feels they made a good choice for the city of Nederland.