PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) Portland’s city manager has chosen the city’s next police chief.

Frank Clark, a lieutenant with the South Portland Police Department, accepted the offer to become Portland’s police chief.

City Manager Jon Jennings made the announcement Thursday. In a statement, Jennings thanked Interim Chief Vern Malloch for leading the department over the last year.

Former Police Chief Michael Sauschuck left the department to take on his new role as Public Safety Commissioner under Governor Janet Mills.