The evening belonged to one man Monday in Porterdale, where City Hall was packed to the brim and the man too humble to accept rewards for himself was honored, congratulated and asked to stick around.

Jason Cripps was appointed police chief for the Porterdale Police Department at the City Council meeting after being unanimously chosen twice, effective immediately. He had been serving as acting police chief since former Chief Geoff Jacobs resigned in June.

The Police Chief Applicant Review Committee, consisting of Municipal Court Judge Kimberly Degonia, City of Porterdale Prosecutor Robert Picarretto, Rev. Jerry Patterson, City of Oxford Police Chief Dave Harvey and Porterdale City Manager Bob Thomson, selected Cripps from “three strong applicants.” The council voted 5-0.

“I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support as I lead this remarkable department into the next chapter,” Cripps said in a prepared statement. “The Porterdale Police Department is comprised of a group of highly qualified men and women, of whom I am extremely proud. This unique group of officers performs well as a team, and it is my great honor to be their chief.

“It is the goal of our department to be the best at providing competent, specialized and efficient services every day while reassuring the citizens of our village that they can count on us. We intend to remain assertive regarding new techniques and ideas for serving our community. And it is our goal to continue the forward growth of our department.”

Before his appointment was announced, Council Member Linda Finger presented Cripps with a check in thanks for volunteering at C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance Relief Effort). But he wouldn’t take money for himself, Finger said, so the check was written to the Porterdale Police Explorers.

“We are very proud and very lucky to have you here,” said Finger, who mentioned C.A.R.E. now can provide scholarships for three students to attend Newton College and Career Academy.

Covington Elks Lodge 1806 also tried to reward Cripps for his help, this time for spending time at the Elks Drug Awareness Program. Again, they failed. In a good way. Larry and Anita Denny of the Elks Lodge presented Cripps with a $100 check on behalf of the police department and drug awareness efforts.