(a) In the absence of the chief or vacancy in the position of chief, the council with the advice of the commission as stated below, may select any other qualified police officer to assume the duties of the chief.

(b) The council may authorize the commission to select or recommend to the council a person to fulfill the position of acting chief of police.

(c) The acting chief may be compensated as the council with the advice of the commission from time to time may decide.

(d) The acting chief shall serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the council and the commission.

(e) If the acting chief is chosen from the ranks of the Town's Police Department, he shall retain the rank and pay for the rank he held at the time of the selection to the role of acting chief. The council may confer such additional compensation, benefits or responsibilities upon the acting chief, at any time, that the council deems appropriate, with the advice of and consultation of the commission.