The Madison Police and Fire Commission formally opened their application for the new city police chief Tuesday, seeking open applications both from inside the department and from the general public.

Former Chief Noble Wray, who served as police chief for nine years, announced his retirement earlier this year after a total 30 years of service as a Madison police officer.

According to a statement from the Police and Fire Commission, this is a “great opportunity for a visionary leader to continue the proud legacy of the Madison Police Department.”

Police and Fire Commission attorney Scott Herrick said the process to find a new chief is different this time than in the past.

“This is the first time we have opened the application to any qualified applicant, not just internally within the department,” Herrick said.

The job statement said the position opening provides an opportunity for a man or woman who has good leadership skills and a clear vision of how police should operate within our society.

The statement also said the police department is looking to continue its “world-class reputation” and continue to set standards for quality policing. The annual salary range for the position was listed as between $109,671 and $148,056.

Police spokesperson Joel DeSpain said Wray was an example of this mission.

“Chief Wray was a tremendous and well-grounded leader who set a great example with his values, ethics and transparency,” DeSpain said. “The department hopes to get someone that can lead us in serving the Madison community to the best of our ability.”

The next leader is also expected to continue the department’s legacy of understanding diversity, focusing on the community and being well organized, according to the statement.

DeSpain said people in Madison expect these values from their police department.

“People here are proud of the ‘Madison way’ of policing, which is working proactively with the community and neighborhoods to make Madison a safe place to live, learn and play,” DeSpain said.

Herrick said the process of hiring a chief has changed significantly since the last time the city sought a new leader.

“The last time we hired a police chief was almost 10 years ago and we had to rely on word of mouth to get information out about the open position,” Herrick said. “This time it is posted electronically in several places and there have been a number of requests for the application packet. We got some inquiries within minutes.”

Application packets are now available upon request to the commission.