WESTBROOK – Westbrook interim Director of Public Safety Michael Pardue can drop “interim” from his title now, according to a statement released by the city this afternoon.

Pardue has been named as Mayor Colleen Hilton’s choice to man the position, where he would serve as police and fire chief for the city of Westbrook. Her decision must be confirmed by the City Council, which is expected to take act on the choice at the council’s June 6 meeting.

Pardue was hired last year to manage the fire department after Hilton declined to reappoint former Fire Chief Daniel Brock. When former Police Chief Bill Baker resigned in the first week of January this year, the mayor named Pardue as the interim director of public safety, a new position created to oversee the city’s emergency response personnel.

“Director Pardue brings extensive management and leadership experience in both the public and private sector to this position, having previously served in the capacities of Police Chief, Fire Chief and Town Manager and complemented by his career in law enforcement,” a statement from the city read. “Director Pardue’s work in Westbrook, first with our Fire & Rescue Department and, more recently with our Fire & Rescue Department, Dispatch and Police Department, has been highly effective and impressive.”

Michael Pardue (File photo)