Butler's new police Robert O'Neill said he inherited a police department comprised of hard working officers that receives support from the community. This is O'Neill outside the Butler Police Station on Thursday January 3, 2019.

Butler's new police chief, Robert O'Neill, said he inherited a police department comprised of hard-working officers who are supported by the community.

“I literally can't think of a better group of officers. They work continuously and they're working in some tough situations,” said O'Neill, who was hired in October by city council and started working in November.

For example, O'Neill said officers stepped up to cover the shifts of three officers who were injured during an early morning Dec. 22 car chase in which a suspect's vehicle struck two police cars.

“They've got a great work ethic. They just go out and do their jobs,” O'Neill said.

Some officers logged 16-hour days to cover all shifts around Christmas.

O'Neill said many residents expressed support for the injured officers and, more recently, for Gunner, the department's 7-year-old canine who had to be euthanized last week due to health problems.

The number of Christmas cards the department received was overwhelming, he said.

“It's nice to know the officers have the support of the bulk of the community,” O'Neill said.

Read the rest of our exclusive interview with O'Neill in the Butler Eagle.