The Maryland Heights Police Department will get a new leader in 2013.

Police Chief Tom O'Connor is set to retire in December, making way for William Carson, who now serves as the department's commander of Support Services and Office of Professional Standards, to take man the position beginning in January 2013.

The Maryland Heights City Council unanimously approved Carson's hiring in August.

The employment agreement indicates Carson will receive an annual base salary of at least $113,000, with an annual increase of $5,000 with "satisfactory performance evaluations."

What do you think of the job Chief O'Connor has done for the city in his years as police chief? Wish him well by leaving a comment below!