RATHDRUM — Finalists for the Rathdrum Police Department’s chief of police role recognize they would be stepping in at a pivotal time in the city’s development.

“This city and department are getting ready to grow,” said Dan Haley, an applicant and current detective with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. “We need to be ready for it.”

Applicant Ed Jacobson, a retired FBI agent out of the Coeur d’Alene office, said with growth can come an uptick in serious crime.

“We have to have the foresight to say, ‘we know it’s coming,’” Jacobson said.

A few dozen residents took the opportunity Thursday evening to speak with Haley and Jacobson, as well as candidates Jason Brei and Alex Hawley, during a public meet and greet event hosted by the city of Rathdrum.

The interview panel was also on site to observe how each applicant interacted with the public.

The city is looking to fill the position following Police Chief Tomi McLean’s retirement in June. McLean served as chief since 2016 and was the first female to fill the role in Rathdrum’s history.

Brei is the police chief for Utah State University, while Hawley is the police chief in Brier, Wash.

If hired, Brei said he would focus on building relationships between law enforcement and the community.

“I have a vision of continuing to build what’s already here,” Brei said.

Hawley shared a similar sentiment.

“You go with what works before making changes,” Hawley said.

Hawley has been looking to relocate to the Rathdrum area for several years and would introduce events such as "Coffee with the Chief" if hired, something he said has been successful in Brier.

“You have to have that partnership with the community,” Hawley said.

Many residents had questions about RPD’s partnerships with other law enforcement agencies across the county.

Applicants said they would continue fostering relationships with partners.

“We’re all together in the community,” Jacobson said.

A decision on who will become Rathdrum’s next chief of police is expected within the coming weeks.