GLENWOOD | Chicago Heights police Capt. Brian Smith will become the village's newest police chief, officials announced Monday.

Village Trustee Tony Plott, who is the Village Board liaison to the Police Department and headed an ad-hoc search committee, introduced Smith during a public forum Monday night at the Jeanne F. Maggio Senior Citizens Center.

Smith has signed an employment contract, and his tenure is scheduled to begin July 1.

More than 20 people applied for the position, which opened in November after the Village Board bought out Joseph Falica's contract at the objection of Village President Jeanne Maggio.

Sgt. Derek Peddycord -- nine-year veteran of the department -- has served as acting police chief since then.

A 30-year veteran of the Chicago Heights Police Department, Smith took questions from resident and addressed issues affecting the community. He indicated he would be accessible, and assured residents could e-mail him and receive e-mail responses.

Smith also spoke of plans to offer self-defense classes for village youths.

"I think I was born to be the police," Smith said. "It's my profession, but teaching is my passion. That is my calling."

Plott said Smith brings the combination of street smarts and experience the board sought.

"We didn't want a person that was too far removed from the streets," Plott said. "A lot of our applicants have been sitting behind desks for awhile."