PEORIA, Ariz. (Jan.
4, 2011) – Months after launching a nationwide search for a new police
chief, Peoria has narrowed the field of applicants from 62 to three.
The finalists are
Denton, Texas, Police Chief Roy W. Minter; Kent, Wash., Deputy Police Chief
Michael Painter; and Broken Arrow, Okla., Police Chief Todd Wuestewald.
"We're looking for a
police professional who has a lot of experience in managing and leading a
department, particularly around community-oriented policing," said City Manager
Carl Swenson. The finalists will interview in Peoria on Jan. 10 and 11. The city
hopes to hire a new chief by mid-to-late March.
Last fall, Peoria
Police Chief Larry Ratcliff announced plans to retire, effective Feb. 1, 2011.