Rush Township hopes to have a police chief in place by the start of the new year.

The matter came to light after resident Charlie Shamonsky asked the township's board of supervisors on Thursday when they planned to hire a police chief.Shamonsky then asked the township to consider appointing an officer from the township's ranks to the post rather than someone from outside the township.Sgt. Duane Frederick had been officer-in-charge until he left the township late this summer.On Dec. 1, the township placed an ad in the Times News for a full-time chief of police.The ad specified, "The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the township's patrol officers, enforcing the Department's Standard Operating Procedures, implementing the department's budget, and serving as the liaison between the department and board of supervisors."According to the ad, "The Chief will be required to actively patrol and perform administrative functions. Shift work is required."The salary is listed as negotiable, based upon experience.The deadline for the ad was Dec. 9.When questioned after the meeting, Supervisor Jeaninne Motroni said 11 people applied for the police chief post, of which six were interviewed.Motroni said the field has since been narrowed down to two candidates, one of which is in-house."We always try to look to fill it from within," Motroni said.She said the township hopes to have the position filled by Jan. 1.Motroni said the township will also be looking to hire more part-time officers.