Updated 11:15 a.m. Monday

As expected, Bruce Hedley will be the Lilburn Police Department’s new chief.

Hedley, 45, will be sworn in before Monday night’s Lilburn City Council meeting, culminating a "lifelong dream" for the Lilburn native. Many of his family members, including his wife and children and his mother will be in attendance for the ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

"Forty years ago when I was riding my bike around the streets of Lilburn as a boy, I never thought I would ever been named police chief," Hedley said Monday morning. "It's an honor and a privilege. I am humbled."

Hedley, formerly the deputy chief, had been the interim chief since the controversial split with former chief John Davidson at the end of February. Hedley has been with Lilburn PD since June 2008. Before that, he spent 20 years with Atlanta Police Department before retiring.

Hedley said he learned a lot from Davidson, who was with the department for five years, and will "keep those lessons with me as I move forward."

Hedley's appointment has been expected. Last week, Lilburn Patch reported that Lilburn City Manager Bill Johnsa was well into negotiations with Hedley, and a decision was expected within the week. Hedley said an agreement was reached late in the day Friday.

On Thursday, Johnsa called Hedley the most qualified internal candidate for the job.

“I have had several letters and calls in full support of Bruce,” Johnsa said. “I certainly have all the faith in the world in him and his abilities.”

Hedley will oversee a staff of 44 employees. According to the city's website, there are 28 sworn officers on the force.

"They are wonderful people, great public servants," Hedley said. "It's going to be an honor to lead them."