With Dartmouth Police Chief Bob Szala out of work for at least a few months following a heart attack, the Select Board has appointed an acting chief.

At the May 22 Select Board meeting, members unanimously Deputy Chief Brian Levesque's promotion to acting chief. The appointment became effective May 8, and comes with a $144,900 salary.

Board members also approved a $109,946.16 salary for the two provisional captains, also promoted in Szala's absence. Lieutenant James Storey was promoted earlier this month to the captain position; Mark Zielinski was promoted to captain in January.

Szala has been on medical leave since he suffered a heart attack on April 11. During an April interview, Szala said he expected to be out for at least a few months.

The Select Board also approved the buyout of part of Szala’s vacation time. His contract only allows a 15-day carryover. The board authorized the $18,441.48 buyout of 30 vacation days, as Szala will not be able to use them while on leave. Select Board members said the buyout is budgeted, but it is unclear for which year.