(KNZA)--A new police chief is on the job in the Doniphan County community of Wathena.

The Kansas Chief reports Jared Ratzlaff comes to the city after 14 years with the Liberal Police Department in southwest Kansas where he rose from patrol officer to the level of captain.

During their May 7th meeting, the Wathena City Council voted to offer the position to Ratzlaff at an annual salary of $42,500, with the possibility of a $2,500 increase after six months.

He was among forty-four people interviewed for the position, including three from Doniphan County.

Ratzlaff and his wife, Amanda, have six children between them ranging in age from 7 to 19.  Three of them will live with the couple in Wathena.