A search for candidates to replace retiring Winfield Police Chief Jerry DeVore should begin within the next two weeks, city manager Warren Porter said this week.
City officials are reviewing a job description and developing a hiring process before starting to advertise the position. Porter said DeVore is expected to leave some time in January. He announced his retirement plans earlier this year.
The city will conduct a regional search in hopes to find someone familiar with "Midwest values and attitudes," Porter said. A brochure will be available for download on the city’s Web site. It will include a description of the job and the structure of the organization.
Ads will be placed in regional trade publications and professional journals.
The city, Porter said, has waited to start the hiring process because the economy and budget constraints mean the city cannot justify having two chiefs on duty for any period of time. Some internal candidates are expected to apply.
Porter did not set a date for when a new chief might join the force, but said he is confident employees on staff can handle the day to day operations as long as necessary.
