Mike Berezin, the Missouri City Police Department's former assistant chief of operations, was named as the city's new Chief of Police by City Council July 7.

"It is an honor to work alongside someone as dedicated to, not only his department, but to the entire Missouri City community," City Manager Ed Broussard said. "Chief Berezin's dedication to the safety of Missouri City residents has never wavered throughout his more than 25 years in the department."

Berezin began his career with the Missouri City Police Department as a patrol officer in 1989. Over the past 25 years, Berezin has held several positions with the city's police department, such as field training officer, patrol sergeant and lieutenant, crime scene investigator, and captain of the patrol division. He was promoted to assistant police chief in 2011.

Berezin has been serving as interim police chief since the departure of former Chief of Police Joel Fitzgerald, who left to serve as police chief in Allentown last January.

"Having been with the city for more than 25 years, I consider it an honor to work with my fellow Missouri City employees," Berezin said. "I hope to do bigger and better things than anyone in this city has ever seen."

Berezin will be officially sworn in at the city's public safety headquarters on July 9.