For the first time in its history, the West Deer Police Department has a deputy chief.

Township supervisors Wednesday voted to promote Sgt. Timothy Burk to deputy chief. Chief Robert Loper recommended the move.

Burk began his career with the department in 2000 as a part-time patrolman. He became a full-time patrolman in 2006 and has been a sergeant for a little over two years, according to Loper.

Burk has excelled throughout his career, Loper said.

Before the supervisors voted, Loper addressed the board and said the 20-member police force needs a deputy chief.

“It’s going to help your department be more efficient with all the demands on a modern police force,” Loper told the board.

The board voted 4-0, with Supervisor David Harrison absent, to promote Burk.

“I just want to thank you guys for the opportunity,” Burk told the supervisors. “I’m really excited.”

The promotion takes effect Jan. 1. Burk will be paid a salary of $100,000 in his new post, Township Manager Daniel Mator said.

Burk had been receiving $86,000 as a sergeant, Mator said, but was eligible for overtime pay. His new position will be salaried, which means he is no longer eligible for overtime.

Loper said Burk had done some of the department’s administrative work, and that will be a primary focus for him.

“The amount of administrative work for the police department has increased substantially,” Loper said.

He said Burk — who also has the distinction of being the Deer Lakes High School varsity football coach — also was the Deer Lakes school resource officer. Loper said Burk no longer will hold that position but will oversee the program as deputy chief.

Burk’s duties also will include reviewing reports filed by patrol officers, participating in formulating department policies, and occasionally filling in on patrols when needed.

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