As a city of Pittsburgh police officer, Andrew Lisiecki did not get to spend much time with victims or complainants because of the heavy volume of 911 calls.

Not so in a 2.2-square-mile community of fewer than 5,000 residents.

"I'll be able to spend more time with the people answering concerns, and be in a better position to resolve those concerns," said Mr. Lisiecki, who is Green Tree's new police chief, of what attracted him to the post.

Mr. Lisiecki, 48, was sworn in during council's meeting Monday.

He began work Tuesday as leader of the 11-member force. His salary will be in the mid-$80,000s.

He replaces Robert Cifrulak, who resigned after five years on Aug. 1, 2008, to become chief in McKees Rocks, his hometown.

Lieutenant Chad Rannigan served as acting chief in the interim.

Mr. Lisiecki was selected from a pool of 10 applicants in a five-month process, which included interviews and testing.

He began his city career in 1985 as a paramedic. He became a police officer in 1988, which included canine detail and undercover work in gang crime suppression. He was promoted to sargeant in 1995 and lieutenant in 2002.

He is a certified instructor in ethics, field training, firearms and the use of force and has taught at the Police Academy.

Mr. Lisiecki grew up in Beltzhoover and Knoxville. He lives today in Brookline with his wife and three children.

Councilwoman Janine Palmer, chair of the Public Safety Committee, said she was impressed by his 21 years as a city policeman, which includes supervisory and management experience.

"I liked his management style," said Ms. Palmer, "which is a lead-by-example style; he prefers to be out there with the guys."

His traffic enforcement background also was a plus, she said, as traffic problems are residents' primary complaint.

"He's down to earth, and very approachable. I think the men will like working and learning from him," said Mayor Vincent Abbato.

"I will be an active chief who will be out patrolling with the other officers, and not just sitting in an office. I want to be more visible in the community," Mr. Lisiecki said.

Ms. Palmer said while the search for a police chief can be a cantankerous process that rips councils apart, no such scenario played out in Green Tree.

"We all went home on great speaking terms with one another," she said.