PORTLAND – A 23-year police veteran is the top choice to succeed Mike Chitwood as the police chief in Maine’s largest city.

Portland City Manager Joe Gray announced Thursday that he will recommend that the City Council appoint Tim Burton, 46, to be the 18th chief in the city’s history. The council is expected to vote on the recommendation on Nov. 7.

Burton is a Portland native who rose through the ranks of the police department.

He was named deputy chief in 1998 and has been acting chief since Chitwood left in August to take a job closer to his native Philadelphia.

“I’m proud, I’m excited, I’m humbled,” Burton said at a press conference where Gray announced his choice.

Burton was one of two finalists for the top spot with Anthony Holloway, a captain from the Clearwater, Fla., police department.

Chitwood, who served 17 years as chief, had a high profile and outspoken image that made him a visible figure throughout the state.

Burton, who called himself “somewhat reserved,” was described by officers as being level-headed, fair and a hard worker.

He said he values communication with the public and members of his department to establish priorities and build consensus within the department and community.