HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The search continues for the next chief of the Hutchinson Police Department.

According to Human Resources Director Tom Sanders, around 20 applications have come in. Out of those, five will go through more screening, starting the week of July 30.

Sanders hopes the city will be able to offer a contract to the new hire by the middle of August. A new chief could be in place by the middle of September.

Police Chief Dick Heitschmidt is retiring Sept. 17 after more than 40 years in law enforcement.