Cheektowaga police Lt. James J. Speyer Jr., who is being promoted to captain next week, will take on more of the public relations and personnel duties long handled by Capt. John A. Glascott, who last month lost his bid to unseat Sheriff Timothy B. Howard.

Glascott, a captain since 2002, has been assisting with planning for the proposed $15 million addition to the police and courts building.

In his new role, Glascott will take over budgeting and department technology duties from retiring Capt. Thomas Rowan.

The job moves will let “fresh eyes take a look at things” and will be gradual, Police Chief Christine Ziemba said.

“As time progresses, he will become less involved,” she said of Glascott. “Obviously, with changes, people need to have a little bit of time to reacclimate.”

Speyer, 49, who had been supervising the traffic department, also was known among neighborhood groups for his work as community liaison officer a few years ago.

“It’s nice to have the confidence of the chief,” Speyer said. When Glascott goes on vacation, Speyer has been filling in, as he is this week.

“A lot of times reporters want information quicker than we can get it to them,” he said of the challenges ahead. “We have a good reputation, and we’re hard working, and I enjoy telling people that.”