The Dunkirk Common Council confirmed Christopher Witkowski as the city’s new police chief, and Nicholas Barter as the new fire chief, Tuesday.

The council voted unanimously to hire both men, after tabling resolutions to do so at its prior meeting in January. Councilman James Stoyle, a strong advocate for first responders, expressed displeasure about the delay.

One key change in the resolutions from January to hire the men is the addition of the following clause: “This appointment does not preclude the city of Dunkirk from pursuing department mergers or other structural changes to enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness.”

There is also a clause in their resolutions to deny Barter and Witkowski certain union benefits, such as longevity pay, training reimbursement and overtime accumulation. They are “entitled to all relevant benefits included in the (union) contract, with the exception of” several items.

Their proposed salaries haven’t changed since the tabled January resolutions. Witkowski would make $112,000 this year and Barter $92,000.

Witkowski was named acting chief of police when David Ortolano retired in November 2024. Previous Fire Chief Michael Edwards retired just weeks later, in December.