MERRILLVILLE | It was somewhat bittersweet for the Merrillville Police Commission on Friday as they welcomed the town's new top cops into their positions and said goodbye to another.

The commission appointed Joseph Petruch as the new police chief and James Donohue as the assistant chief while bidding farewell to outgoing Chief Nicholas Bravos during his last day with the department.

Petruch has served with the department for almost 30 years and was named assistant police chief in 2004.

Donohue has been a member of the department since 1982 and served as the support services commander.

Commissioner John Johnson said he enjoyed working with Bravos, who is leaving to take a position in a Fortune 500 company's security division.

Police Commission President Rick Bella said he was happy the Town Council decided to promote Petruch and Donohue.

"It sends a good message within the department," Bella said.

Bravos also reflected on his career with the department during the meeting.

"I truly enjoyed my position as chief of police," Bravos said. "I was eager to make a difference, and I hope I did."