Waterford — Brett Mahoney, a more than 20-year veteran of the police department, was named chief Monday in a unanimous vote of the town’s Police Commission.

“I’m excited about taking the position,” said Mahoney, who has been serving as interim chief since the retirement of former Chief Murray Pendleton in May after 24 years. “I’m stepping into a department that’s been well run for a number of years.”

Mahoney said he is not planning any major changes. He will lead a department with 46 full-time police officers plus several part-time and secretarial staff.

First Selectman Dan Steward said he supported the selection of Mahoney, who was the only candidate considered by the commission.

The police union also supported the choice, he added. Steward said Mahoney’s salary is “under negotiation.”

“We’ve watched him grow along the way into this job,” Steward said. “He’s done a great job for us.”

Mahoney, 45, a town resident, began as a Waterford police officer in 1991, advancing to sergeant and then lieutenant, and worked closely with Pendleton, Steward said.

He recently completed a master’s degree in criminal justice and a training program at the FBI Academy, Steward said. Among initiatives he led is the department’s adoption of social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

Mahoney said he will direct officers and other department staff to continue using these outlets to communicate with the public.

“We’ll maintain a strong social medial presence,” he said.

During Monday’s commission meeting, Mahoney gave a presentation about the pros and cons of the use of body and vehicle cameras by police officers, including budgetary ramifications.

“This is a hot-button issue in American policing,” he said. “I want them to be as informed as possible.”

Mahoney said he did not take a position advocating for or against the cameras.

j.benson@theday.com

Twitter: @BensonJudy