Norwich – Deputy Chief Christopher Ferace has been selected as the new police chief in Putnam, with a start date expected in September, Norwich Chief Patrick Daley said Monday.

Ferace and Putnam officials in charge of the search could not be reached for comment Monday.

Daley said he was not surprised at the move by his longtime colleague in Norwich and said Putnam will be getting “a very talented individual, well able to take this role on.”

Ferace, a New London native, was named deputy chief in Norwich in April 2017 by Daley, a fellow 24-year veteran Norwich police officer. The two joined the Norwich police force within two months of each other and their careers ran parallel over the years. Daley became chief in September 2016.

Ferace, who has a degree in administration of justice from Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., rose steadily through the ranks in Norwich, starting as a walking beat officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004, lieutenant in 2011 and to captain in 2015 before being named deputy chief.

During his promotion ceremony, Ferace told The Day that he wouldn’t rule out seeking a chief’s position, if it was “the right fit.”

Daley said he does not yet have a succession plan for Ferace’s position. Norwich’s upper police ranks are all recent appointees. The department’s only captain, James Veiga, was promoted to the post in June 2017 following Ferace’s promotion to deputy chief.

“We have very big shoes to fill,” Daley said. “We’re up to the challenge.”

c.bessette@theday.com