MOSCOW — The Moscow City Council on Monday unanimously appointed Moscow Police Capt. Anthony Dahlinger as the new Moscow Police Chief.

Dahlinger will begin his duties as chief on May 1. Current Chief James Fry is resigning and will run for Latah County Sheriff in this year’s election.

Dahlinger told the council he is “truly honored and humbled” by the promotion.

“I assure you I do not take this appointment lightly,” he said.

He thanked Fry for his mentorship and commended the department’s efforts to improve officer recruitment and retention, which is a struggle for departments around the world.

“We are nearing full staff for the first time in years,” Dahlinger said.

Dahlinger has been with the Moscow Police Department for more than 12 years and has nearly 17 years of experience in law enforcement, according to a city of Moscow news release.

He is a University of Idaho graduate and holds numerous certifications. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has served on the Latah Recovery Center board.

Dahlinger said the department’s officers “have the privilege of serving such a wonderful, diverse and supportive community such as ours.”

Fry began his career as a reserve officer with the Moscow Police Department in 1993 and was hired as a patrol officer in June 1995.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.