By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

The acting chief and second-in-command of the Providence Police has been named the department’s 38th chief, and Oscar Perez becomes the first Latino in the job.

Perez, a 29-year department veteran who was elevated to commander in November, and acting chief a month later when Chief Hugh Clements took a job in the U.S. Department of Justice, was named to the top post Friday by Mayor Brett Smiley in an announcement at City Hall.

“This is a humbling moment,” Perez said. “Growing up in the city and standing here in front of all of you, it goes without saying how proud and how humble I feel.”

Smiley cited “a personal connection to our city and a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face.” He was chosen from among three finalists, all on the department’s command staff, who were given a ‘try out’ Wednesday night in a public forum.

“So the first order of business will be to be able to listen, meet with our community members, our community partners, our officers. Improving the work we’re doing now, and obviously talk to the mayor’s administration to figure out how we’re moving forward,” Perez said.

Smiley acknowledged the selection of chief may be one of the most important of his new administration.

“What I heard from other mayors around the country time and time again was that trust and personal rappport and that one on one relationship is invaluable. And that weighed heavily on me,” Smiley said.

Perez will assume the chief’s position immediately, and Smiley said a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled in the future. He added that as mayor, he will retain the position of Public Safety Commissioner, and does not plan to appoint anyone to the position.