Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for the Capital Region Independent Media the Coeymans Town Board met Fri., Mar. 4, for a special meeting called for the purpose of making various personnel changes. On the agenda: the appointment of a new police chief, and the resignation of Deputy Town Supervisor Daniel Baker, who is expected to soon step into the position of highway superintendent following the retirement of Highway Superintendent Scott Searles. Marc Tryon, a veteran of more than 30 years with the New York State Police, was appointed police chief. He replaces Douglas Keyer, who resigned abruptly from the office on February 11. Keyer did not provide a reason for stepping down, but the announcement came during a budget battle between the town board and the police officers’ union. Tryon served 32 years as a state trooper, until his retirement in 2013, reaching the ranks of sergeant, zone sergeant and first sergeant, Town Supervisor George McHugh said. Tryon's appointment is effective March 7 and he will be paid a salary of $80,000 a year. Tryon is the brother of Coeymans resident William Tryon, who pleaded guilty to charges filed in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol . William Tryon was sentenced in January to 50 days in jail, along with a $1,000 fine and $500 in restitution for damages caused to the Capitol building during the riot. McHugh said Marc Tryon’s brother did not factor into the board’s decision. “Marc’s resume and distinguished career speaks for itself,. The town board and I believe that each person should be judged on their own individual acts and merits.” Baker submitted his resignation from the town board and he will be named special assistant to the highway superintendent. Searles' retirement, after 30 years of service, is effective March 31. Assemblymember Chris Tague was on hand to present Searles with a citation from the state Assembly honoring his service to Coeymans. McHugh said that Baker will undergo some on-the-job training for the next three weeks and "...then it is my belief that the town board will appoint him superintendent after Scott retires.” Read the full story at TheUpStater [dot] com.