The San Diego City Council unanimously approved San Diego Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Wahl as its next police chief Monday.
Wahl will take over the position from the retiring Chief David Nisleit on June 7, NBC reports.
"I'll just be honest with you, I'm full of emotion today," Wahl said before the final vote approving the SDPD veteran to the department's top position. "I'm committed to being transparent, committed to being accountable for the words that come out of my mouth and the actions I take every single day. Thank you very much for this opportunity."
Wahl, who has served as a patrol officer in SDPD's Southern Division and as a captain in the Northern Division in his 26-year career, was announced in March as Mayor Todd Gloria's pick to succeed Nisleit, who retires after 36 years of service -- including six as chief of police.
Wahl served as department spokesperson for three years, "boosting transparency and giving a voice to police initiatives in the community," according to Gloria's office. When Wahl was captain of SDPD's Northern Division, he worked with community groups to reduce gun violence and residential burglaries, the city reported.
Wahl is the son of a San Diego police officer. He and his wife Stephanie have four children.
