The City of Lone Tree has taken the first steps toward a nationwide search for a new police chief to replace Jeff Streeter, who retired in early June.

According to City Manager Seth Hoffman, the city will engage an executive recruiting firm to assist with the search

“This is a specialized search,” Hoffman said. “We don't do that for most of our staff, but we really want to do a deep and broad national search, so we're going to hire an executive search consultant that has experience in law enforcement, finding law enforcement executives and matching them with agencies.”

Hoffman estimates that the process will take about six months to complete, and the city has already begun soliciting proposals from five or six firms.

Once the firm is selected, Hoffman, the recruiter and other city officials will develop a candidate profile based on the job description and then advertise the position.

“It's our goal to be a national model for our deep, active commitment to safety. The person that we're looking for is going to help us get there. That's something that I would want the new chief to help us with,” he said. “It's such an important position in the community that we're going to take as long as it takes to make sure that we've got the right person in the job. It's not something that we're going to fill overnight.”

Cmdr. Ron Pinson, the interim police chief who is filling the role for the second time in three years, did not apply for the position in 2012, but says he is considering it this time.

“It was a thought process back then. I don't think I was quite prepared for it yet.” Pinson said. “It's something that I've always wanted to do.”

If Pinson does choose to apply this time, he and his fellow candidates will face a rigorous selection process, including a series of interviews and panels with city staff and elected officials.

Though Hoffman said that there is not an immediate concern that the new chief will need to address, filling the position with the right candidate is a priority.

“We want to make sure that, just like all of our employees, there's a commitment to the community and to our agency, making sure that our officers have everything that they need to keep doing their jobs and to keep the community safe.”