Wauwatosa names 3 finalists for city's next police chief

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) --The Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission announced the three finalists for Wauwatosa's next police chief Thursday, June 10. All three have ties to the Milwaukee Police Department.

The finalist are:

• James MacGillis - Retired Milwaukee police captain, former director of training at Milwaukee Police Academy, drug intelligence officer for the state of Wisconsin
• Jeffrey Norman - Acting Milwaukee police chief 
• David Salazar - 2nd District Milwaukee police captain 

"On paper, they look like very strong candidates," Dennis McBride said. He is the city's mayor.

McBride says he expects the next chief to work well with public officials. 

"I want a chief who can communicate well, understands the diversity of the greater community." 

Monday, June 14, the Police and Fire Commission will host virtual public interviews at 5 p.m. Each candidate will answer the same questions. Some of the questions were provided by the public.

After the virtual public interviews, the Police and Fire Commission invites the public to complete a survey to provide feedback on the candidates. The survey will be open until June 16 at 12 p.m.

"I'm very pleased with the diverse slate of candidates," Sean Lowe said. He is the chair of Wauwatosa's Equity and Inclusion Commission.

He tells CBS 58 he believes this will be a historic hire.

"Given the fact that we have not had a new police chief in Wauwatosa for nearly 30 years, this is absolutely critical and the community must have strong input." 

While Acting Chief Norman is in line for the position, Milwaukee leaders don't want to lose him.

"I've been very public in my desire to keep Jeff Norman as police chief," 2nd District Alderman Cavalier Johnson said. 

"Would I like him to stay? Absolutely, yes," Mayor Tom Barrett said. 

Residents say after decades of the same police chief, they're ready for change."

"We need a new mix, don't you think? It will be good, change is tough but it will be good," Cindy Wilburth said.

"Regardless of race, just that he's qualified to do the job," John Schmid said.

The Police and Fire Commission will tentatively have final interviews the week of June 21. They will make the ultimate hiring decision.