The former chief of police in Port Angeles will fill in as the “interim police department administrator” at the Oak Harbor Police Department.

Mayor Bob Severns announced today that Terry Gallagher signed a 90-day employment contract with the city and started work today. Monthly extensions of the contract can be approved by the city council.

The administrative, non-commissioned appointment, designed to provide professional and leadership services to the police department, is temporary while the city searches for a new permanent police chief, Severns said in a press release.

The police department has been without a chief since Severns asked Chief Ed Green to resign last month after conducting an investigation into morale and communication problems in the department. He concluded that the trouble stemmed from management, while the rank-and-file officers continued to do a good job keeping the community safe.

The mayor appointed City Administrator Doug Merriman to supervise the department until an interim administrator was found.

In an interview, Severns explained that Gallagher will receive basically the same pay as Green but without benefits — except for the use of a car and cell phone.

While Gallagher’s title is “interim police department administrator,” he will have the authority of the chief within the department, the mayor said. He will be non-commissioned, which means he won’t carry a gun, wear a uniform or chase bad guys.

Gallagher has 30 years in law enforcement, including eight years as the police chief in Port Angeles.

In a story about Gallagher’s retirement, Peninsula Daily News described his “trademark sense of humor” and his leadership through financial challenges in the department.

“I understand he’s been a pretty successful administrator,” Severns said.

Severns said he hopes to name a permanent chief within three months, though it may take a little longer.

The job opening notification for the chief position was posted May 31. Completed application materials must be received by the city no later than Thursday, June 16, for candidates to be considered under first review.