Northampton Borough Council selected veteran borough police Sgt. Bryan Kadingo to head the police department during its meeting Sept. 21. He takes over the reins from Ron Morey, who retired Aug. 1 after more than three decades of borough service.

Kadingo, 51, had been named acting police chief since Morey’s retirement.

Kadingo was tapped as police chief by a unanimous seven votes. Councilman Robert McHale was not present.

There were seven applicants in the search for the borough’s top law enforcement officer; the list was whittled down after the council police committee held interviews. Two individuals remained, and council chose to keep the command of the police force in house.

Council chambers was packed with family, relatives and friends as Kadingo was installed as police chief. Mayor Thomas Reenock presided over the oath of office, administering the official swearing-in for Kadingo.

Kadingo, a Northampton High School graduate, served as second in command of the 11-member police department.

Council has not yet determined the course it will take, if any, to fill Kadingo’s former position as sergeant.