A familiar face in Onondaga County was appointed interim police chief for the town of Manlius following the recent resignation of former Chief Michael Crowell.

“I’m just excited to come back here. This is really my home,” said Jason Cassalia, the new interim chief of the Manlius Police Department.

Cassalia served as captain with department for a couple of decades prior to spending eight years working as Onondaga County undersheriff.

As interim chief, Cassalia wants to ensure that the quality of service the department provides continues.

“I can help the town board and they’re asking of finding their new leader in the future in the process and go from there,” Cassalia said.

He said he will work with members on decisions being made while he’s in the role.

“I’ll be working directly with the members of the organization to make sure that we’re on track, and that we’re going where we need to go. And that is to provide the best level of service we can to this community,” Cassalia said.

He is employment will start April 3 at an annual salary rate of $135,000.

During the Manlius Town Board meeting at which the interim police was appointed, a few residents voiced concerns about transparency and how the past chief recently resigned.

Town Supervisor John Deer said the town was as transparent as they could have been during the process and hopes the meeting helped clear up some questions for the public.