OMAHA, Neb. -- Omaha gets a new police chief on Saturday and 20 newly promoted staff will report to him.

Deputy Chief Eric Buske will serve as interim chief while the mayor looks within the department for Chief Thomas Warren's replacement.

Buske said on Friday during a promotion ceremony that the police force is in a transitional phase. But he said promotions are a way to build upon the existing experience within the department as the changes continue.

"It was very satisfying to promote 20 officers and to swear in one new officer," Buske said.

Buske said the new changes are a benefit to the force, especially after nearly 100 officers retired last year.

"Obviously, we do feel the loss of people that have left. There's a lot of experience but we have a lot of experience still here and a lot of talent still in this organization," Buske said.

Mayor Mike Fahey said the department will be back to full strength before the end of the year. He said the new recruits will be able to build upon the experience of their peers already on the force.

"Listening to the resumes of the leadership of the Omaha Police Department, I think we're in great hands," Fahey said.

"I feel prepared," Buske said. "I've been here 23 years. I have confidence in the men and women of this department to move us forward. I have every confidence they can do that."

As far as rebuilding the force, 35 new police academy graduates will hit the streets next month and another class will graduate in April.

Buske said there are no immediate changes planned, but he said that as a department, they're always looking for ways to improve.