The Edgartown police department has promoted officer Ryan Ruley to sergeant, after the longtime law enforcement official and Oak Bluffs selectman came out tops in a lengthy hiring process.

Edgartown selectmen unanimously approved the promotion at their meeting Monday, upon the recommendation of Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee.

According to Chief McNamee, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs undertook a collaborative hiring and officer promotion process, testing candidates through an assessment center that offered a variety of examinations as well as an interview with the hiring board. Officer Ruley received Chief McNamee’s recommendation after the retirement of Sgt. Jamie Craig earlier this year.

“[Officer Ruley] did a great job on the process, and we’ll be really happy to have him join us as a supervisor,” Chief McNamee said at the meeting.

A 20-year law enforcement veteran, Mr. Ruley has served for the past eight years in the Edgartown department.

“Thank you, chief. I appreciate this opportunity to be in front of the board, and I appreciate the confidence that you and the department has in me to take this next step in my career,” Mr. Ruley said at the meeting.

Edgartown selectmen showered their praise on Mr. Ruley after the unanimous vote.

“We’re lucky,” selectman Arthur Smadbeck said. “Outstanding promotion, chief.”

“And I’m glad that Mr. Ruley is going to be around for awhile,” selectman Michael Donaroma added.

Mr. Ruley will be sworn in as a sergeant at the police station front lawn at 4 p.m., according to Chief McNamee.