POST FALLS — Becoming Post Falls police chief has been a goal of Pat Knight's for years.

The city on Tuesday granted the captain a giant step toward that.

Knight, who has overseen the department's Patrol Division and worked his way up the ranks at PFPD for the past 23 years, was named assistant chief of police.

"Pat will be working closely with Chief (Scot) Haug in the ensuing months to become better acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the chief position and we expect to recommend an appointment by council to chief in April after a successful interim period," said Teresa Benner, the city's human resources director.

"We believe this will ensure a smooth transition for the police department and supports the city's desire to promote from within whenever possible."

Knight, who was endorsed by both Haug and Capt. Greg McLean, accepted the promotion, effective immediately.

"I've been blessed to have Scot as my direct supervisor all 23 years (at Post Falls)," Knight said. "I've wanted to be in that (chief's) position and to work my way up."

Haug, Post Falls' police chief for the past eight years, has worked for the department all 32 years of his law enforcement career. He announced a month ago that he will retire effective March 31, 2018.

"Pat is well-prepared to lead the department and will bring a continued commitment to delivering the excellent level of service the community expects from the police department," Haug said.

After retirement, Haug said he plans to work for custom home builder Selkirk Construction, owned by he and wife Debbie's sons Tyler, 27, and Cameron, 20.

Knight, 47, graduated from Coeur d'Alene High in 1989. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked for the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office's Marine Division for two months.

He was hired at Post Falls Police in 1994. He has held the positions of patrol officer, field training officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He has been the patrol captain since 2010.

Knight has also been a leader of the SWAT team since it started in 1998. His highlights include graduating from the FBI National Academy and being selected as one of the first motorcycle officers for the department in 1996.

Tuesday's promotion bumped Knight's salary from $102,668 to $107,802.

Knight said one of the challenges will be preparing the department for several retirements in the next five years.

"We need to prepare the people below us to take the reins when we leave," he said.

Knight said he has planned to retire in about five years, but he said he'll re-evaluate closer to that time.

Other challenges include dealing with the heroin epidemic in the community, hiring emergency communications officers because the testing process has gotten more difficult, and keeping staffing levels at a rate to meet demand in services and the city's growth.

Knight was the only person interviewed for the assistant chief position.

"I could not be more humbled and proud to have this opportunity," he said.