MAURICE — One member of the Village of Maurice police department has a new title.

The Maurice Council voted 3-0 Wednesday at its regular meeting to name Guy Nerren the new assistant police chief. Nerren has served on the force for nearly seven years.

The move came at the request of Maurice Police Chief Warren Rost.

“My reason for having an assistant police chief,” Rost told the council and Mayor Wayne Theriot, “is for someone to have authority to do normal day-to-day operations in case of my absence. It is not to do my job, but in case I am not here, that someone in the department has the authority to do regular operations.

“His authority will be limited when it comes to certain items. He will still have to go through the mayor or mayor pro-tem to make any major decisions.”

The restrictions are set up for someone who could possibly hold the position in the future.

“The (position) is there to assist me or replace me in my absence,” Rost told the council. “I do want restrictions on that person. I trust Officer Guy Nerren with everything that I have. But if he quits next year and we have to put someone else, these restrictions will be in place.

“I’m comfortable with the restrictions that I put and the council should be too because it keeps you in the loop. It does not give a loose rope to the assistant in my absence.”

Nerren will continue his normal routine, including patrolling the village. Along with creating the new position, the council voted to include a stipend of $200 a month for the assistant chief.

“I want to thank the chief for having the faith to recommend me,” Nerren said. “I also want to thank the council for doing the same.

“I want everyone to know that if anyone has any questions, I will be available at anytime.”