Two key positions in Abingdon will be manned by different people who's names are not unfamiliar to residents of the city.

The Abingdon City Council Monday night unanimously approved several appointments made by Mayor Steve Darmer, including Fred Andrews as police chief. Andrews takes over for Ed Swearingen, who served as chief for three years and has been called up by the National Guard and will likely be serving in Afghanistan. Darmer says that's prompted Swearingen to step out of the full-time police chief role and remain on the force as a part-time employee.

Darmer says Swearingen took over as chief during a difficult time and did a good job.  He calls Swearingen a loyal friend and a wonderful citizen who's serving his country.

Andrews says he's basically lived in Abingdon his whole life, and started his police career in Abingdon in 1981. He's also served as part-time police chief in Avon and worked as a corrections officer at Henry Hill Correctional Center for 13 years.

Andrews says he's been a part-time officer in Abingdon since 2006, and is familiar with the operations of the department, which should make the tranition a smooth one.

Darmer also appointed Jack Ball to serve as city attorney. Ball the city attorney for Yates City and East Galesburg as well, and is on the Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees.

Ball takes over for David McDonald, who was Abingdon's city attorney for 38 years. Darmer praised McDonald for the work he did for the city and said Ball's appointment is the result of the city wanting to go in a different idirection.