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FREDONIA – The Village of Fredonia’s just appointed police chief is out of a job today after the Board of Trustees appointed a new top cop on Monday.

Village lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Joe Gerace from the role and appointed officer David Price to the job. Price has worked with the department for decades.

Gerace, who served as Chautauqua County Sheriff for 24-years, was appointed to the post in November, however a new Board was sworn in this week.

“The board of trustees hereby terminates the provisional appointment of Joseph A Gerace, which began on December 13th 2021 effective immediately,” stated board trustee James Lynden. “And therefore be it resolve that the board of trustees hereby appoints David Price to the position of police chief effective January 4th 2022.”

Previously, lawmakers said they wanted to open the police chief job to outside applicants, while the new group of trustees wished to continue tradition and promote a candidate from within.

“A current board of trustees in the village of Fredonia wishes to fill the position through the original process of selecting a promotional candidate within the department,” explained Lynden

According to the resolution, Price will make $100,000 dollars a year with his salary increasing by $5,000 once his appointment becomes permanent.

Price’s appointment is provisional until he passes the police chief civil service test.