BROOKLYN — Tony Tomlinson was sworn in Thursday night as the new Brooklyn Police Chief at Brooklyn Village Hall, and his work started immediately.

While Tomlinson was being sworn in Thursday, reports came in that someone was trying to rob a customer at a store.

But Tomlinson said a clerk thwarted the would-be robber.

Tomlinson takes the position after serving the village of Centreville as a police officer, leaving with the rank of captain.

St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly praised Tomlinson.

"Tony Tomlinson is a serious person with a distinguished record of service to his country in the military and service to his community as a police officer," Kelly said in a released statement. "My office stands ready to assist Chief Tomlinson in professionalizing his department to properly serve and protect the people of Brooklyn."