The next chief of police has some big shoes to fill. "As far as the characteristics and the types of individuals what we're looking for, definitely somebody like the Police Chief (Fred Bordallo), who has the heart to serve the community, somebody with the genuine desire to serve and protect their fellow Guamanian," explained Julius Santos, spokesman for the Governor's Office.

He says Governor Eddie Calvo is reviewing a list of candidates to fill the position of chief of police. "With that said, there hasn't been a final decision made yet," Santos confirmed. "One of the most important things on our agenda is to make sure there is a smooth and solid transition between the incoming police chief and the outgoing chief Bordallo, of course."

It was last week when Fred Bordallo announced his retirement as chief of police with the Guam Police Department. Bordallo spent the past 29 years with GPD serving as its leader for the past four years. Bordallo's last day on the job is on May 22.

It was during his retirement announcement when Bordallo stated he believes there's room for growth for the next generation of leaders within GPD. Santos added, "As far as the list of individuals, we're looking they are individuals both within the Police Department and outside the Police Department."

Aside from the characteristics, some of the qualifications outlined in Guam Code include being at least 35 years old and having a bachelor's degree or higher in police science, criminal justice administration, public administration, law, or a closely-related field. The chief must also have no less than 15 years of progressive experience in government law enforcement position including at least 5 years at the supervisory command level and five years in a senior position with law enforcement management responsibilities or equivalent to a closely-related field or discipline. The new chief will come at a time when progress is being made to the GPD Crime Laboratory and the Property Section, but also following recent controversies including a recent shooting suicide inside the Hagatna Precinct.

"The importance of the matter is paramount - we're talking about somebody who's going to be leading our men and women in blue who serve and protect the island of Guam, and in making that decision we have to take all the careful steps, dot our I's and cross all our T's and make sure the vetting process is done property, not just the logistical side of it, but the person needs to be an upstanding individual to serve the people of Guam," Santos said.

Chief Bordallo tells KUAM he is not part of selection process but is putting together a list of concerns that need to be addressed by the next chief. The Governor's Office says they hope a selection is made in the next few days most likely before the chief's last day.