May 28, 2015 By Suzanne Elliott 1 min read

More than 30 people from across the country applied for the Peters Township police department’s newly created deputy chief position, township officials said.

The position was created in March when council learned that Captain Michael Yanchak, the police department’s second-highest ranking officer, would retire by the end of the year. Yanchak has been with the department since 1982.

Michael Silvestri, township manager, said he will sit down with Paul Lauer, assistant township manager, and police Chief Harry Fruecht and review the applicants. The need to fill the position is especially critical since Fruecht is expected to retire in 2016.

“There will be some testing,” of the applicants, said Silvestri, adding that the hiring is still a couple of months away. The goal, however, is to get someone hired and trained before Yanchak retires, he said.

Applicants for the position must have a college degree in a related field, such as criminal justice or management, as well as five years of experience. The pay grade for this position is $60,000 to $93,420.