Portland gained a new police chief this morning when City Clerk Linda Cohen swore in James Craig. Once he was sworn in, he received a standing ovation. In his remarks to the crowd, Craig cracked jokes, emphasized the professionalism of the force he will oversee and even got choked up when thanking his family members. I'm pretty sure everyone in the room became a little teary eyed at that moment.

Craig hails from Los Angeles, where he worked in the police department for the past 28 years, most recently as a captain. Press Herald writer David Hench has an excellent story in today's paper that talks about Craig's background and the importance he places on community policing efforts, such as having officers walk neighborhood beats on foot.

The State of Maine room at City Hall was filled to capacity with members of Craig's family, police officers, city officials, well-wishers and the media. Everyone was excited to welcome and meet the city's 18th police chief.

Here's Chief Craig with his wife, Mary (at left), daughter Erica and mother Eleanor. Mayor Jill Duson is standing behind them. During her remarks, Mayor Duson referenced a recent honor bestowed by Forbes magazine when she said: "Let me congratulate you on becoming chief of police of the most livable city in the nation. That may come as some comfort to you during the city's first snowstorm."

After the ceremony ended, a line formed and one person after another stepped forward to welcome Craig to his new home, which I, and I'm sure many others, hope he will enjoy for a long time to come.