3 Finalists Named in Durham Police Chief Search

Ronald Hodge, who is currently the city's deputy police chief, joined the department in 1983 as a patrol officer. Before coming to Durham, he worked with a private security force and held positions with the Virginia State Police and Virginia State University.

William Donald "Don" Green is currently the deputy police chief in Knoxville, Tennessee. Green started as a patrol officer at the South Felton Tenn. Police Department in 1977. He has been in law enforcement for 29 years.

Jose Lopez Sr. is currently assistant police chief of the Hartford Police Department in Connecticut. He joined the Hartford Police Department in 1983 as a patrolman. He also has worked as an investigator with the New Jerset Department of Law and Public Safety.

“I am thoroughly impressed with the solid experience of these finalists,” Baker said. “They meet the criteria and qualities I had in mind for the next chief, including having risen through the ranks at a similar size police department, holding positions that allowed them to develop strong field and management experience, combined with an appreciation for strong community relations.”

Chalmers, who has been Durham's police chief since January 2003, is retiring at the end of the year.

A public forum is scheduled for June 5 to allow people to meet the three candidates.