Marion officially has a new police chief.

John Garcia was sworn in as the town’s 10th police chief on Thursday night in a ceremony at the Music Hall. Officers lined the side wall as Garcia took the oath of office.

“Thank you for being here,” Garcia said. “Becoming police chief is the pinnacle of many officers’ careers, and I’d be foolish to think I got here without any help.”

He first thanked his family for understanding the demands of the job, including missed birthdays, holidays and other special events.

“To have the support of your family is everything,” he said.

Garcia also thanked the Board of Selectmen for choosing him as chief, and noted that Select Chair Jody Dickerson, a former police officer, was the officer he did his first field training with in Marion.

“Thank you for giving me the honor, for giving me the opportunity, to serve the community,” he said.

Lastly, he thanked his fellow officers at the Marion Police Department.

“I’m grateful for the people I work with,” he said. “It’s an honor to work with you.”

Garcia is taking over for Police Chief Lincoln Miller, who is officially done on the first of the year. Miller, who served as chief for 17 years, had some advice for Garcia.

“Have a good sense of humor, you’re gonna need it,” he said. “Take time to enjoy your family and your outside pursuits. And give your job 100 percent, but don’t take it home with you.”

Garcia has been with the Marion Police Department for 31 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 2000 and lieutenant in 2004.

Throughout his years with the department, Garcia has founded and led the search and rescue team, as well as led the charge to get the department accredited. Additionally, he has specialized training to better serve citizens with Alzheimer’s.