A large number of people have shown interest in the Sedona police chief position that became vacant when Joe Vernier retired after 10 years.

The application deadline is more than a month away for individuals returning packets wanting to be considered for the position.

While less than a dozen have returned them, Nancy Wilson, human resources specialist for the city, said the city has received several e-mails and inquiries about the position. The deadline to return packets is Monday, March 1.

She said once the packets are received, a small group will review them before narrowing the list. Members on this committee include City Manager Tim Ernster, Vernier and Bob Irish, Sedona’s first police chief.

Ernster will be the person making the final decision on who will be hired, but he has said he will seek input before offering the job to anyone.

The job posting is listed on several officer association Web sites nationally and in Arizona as well as the city’s Web site.

She said the Sedona police chief job is a highly sought-after position. She said the process will be completed quickly once the reviewing part takes place.

Wilson said she is not sure of the process that will take place this year with the police chief finalists, but added 10 years ago when Vernier was hired, there was an exercise candidates were given to complete.

The HR specialist said she is not sure if the city will do this type of exercise again.

The job pays between $71,000 to $102,000, and according to the posting on the city’s Web site, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in police science, criminal justice, public administration or a related field.

Candidates also must have at least 10 years of law enforcement experience, including five or more years as police chief or equivalent to assistant chief in a large department.