Veteran Jersey City Officer Appointed Acting Chief

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has tapped a 35-year veteran of the police department to serve as the city's new police chief.

Deputy Police Chief Philip Zacche, 58, succeeds Robert Cowan, who was appointed chief just last October. Last month, Fulop  announced that he was demoting Cowan , a move Cowan is fighting.

"The selection of Deputy Chief Zacche to lead the Jersey City Police Department speaks to the administration's commitment to remove the potential of politics in the Police Department," Fulop said in a statement. "Phil will restore morale, build bridges and improve on best practices for a safer community."

Zacche, who earns a $174,935 salary, was named acting police chief today. The City Council has to vote to approve his appointment as Cowan's official successor, NJ.com reports.

"An excellent choice," said one police source about Zacche. "Men respect him."