The City of Seminole is getting close to naming a new chief of police, according to City Manager Steve Saxon.

“We believe Seminole deserves the best law enforcement. With that in mind, we did a comprehensive search through several states looking for the best talent we could find, and we found some excellent candidates. In total, we have 19 qualified applicants vying for the position,” Saxon said this week.

“Several of the contenders have been from out of state. The list is impressive and no matter what, our citizens can rest assured that we are going to be getting an exceptional Police Chief,” Saxon added.

According to Saxon, Interim Police Chief Jon Withers has scored high marks with the search team. Withers was named as interim chief following the April 2020 departure of David Hanson.

Hanson, who spent several years with the Seminole County Sheriff’s office before becoming police chief, tendered his resignation last year following allegations of harassment from community members and police officers.

The allegations against Hanson drew fire from the American Civil Liberties Union, labeling his actions, if true, as “completely unacceptable.” The group also commented that “law enforcement personnel have a unique position of trust and authority and the Chief of Police is the ultimate symbol of that authority.”

Saxon said interviews for the chief position are being conducted over the next few weeks and should wrap up by mid-March