Pleasant Hill will have a new police chief Tuesday.
Al Pizzano, former New York Police Department captain, has signed a contract with the city to fill the open position.
Pizzano and Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer were two of five finalists for the position. Don Sandor, city manager in Pleasant Hill, said the decision wasn’t easy.
“We had five strong candidates. Paul had a great interview. We wish him luck and continued success in Creston,” Sandor said.
Pizzano was a finalist for the West Des Moines police chief position in 2012.
Sandor said he fell in love with Iowa while visiting for interviews and eventually decided to move to the state.
Sandor said Pizzano has been working in private consulting for the past couple years in Iowa.
The other three finalists were Kim Wadding with Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, retired West Liberty Chief Lawrence McNaul and Hiawatha Police Chief Dennis Marks.
Pleasant Hill (pop. 9,082) is located about 6 miles east of Des Moines.