Two candidates with local ties are among the three finalists to become Gaffney's new police chief.

City of Gaffney Police Department Capt.. Rick Turner, who is currently serving as captain of all uniform patrol; and former Cherokee County Sheriff's Department investigator and supervisor Rick Burgess, will appear before Gaffney City Council today at 3:45 p.m. for closeddoor interviews.

Turner has a long history on the city police force, dating back to 1986. Burgess left the sheriff's department after an unsuccessful run for sheriff in 2006. He is currently employed as a criminal investigator with the Seventh Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Anderson County Sheriff's Department's Special Operations Lt. Billy Looper is the other finalist for the position. As special operations lieutenant, his duties include narcotics, traffic and highway interdiction.

Upon the conclusion of today's interviews, Gaffney City Council would typically instruct administrator James Taylor to begin negotiations with its choice to fill the vacancy.

Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly declined comment on the three finalists but did note he will likely give the nod to the candidate with the highest leadership qualities.

Current police chief John O'Donald announced in September his plans to retire Dec. 26.

Nineteen people applied for the position. Taylor has spent the past several weeks conducting preliminary interviews and background checks.

According to the job advertisement, the city is seeking applicants with a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or public administration; as well as 10 years of experience in law enforcement - three of which must have been equivalent to a police sergeant or higher.

Applicants also must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license and have successfully completed coursework at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

O'Donald's salary is $53,000 a year. The salary range for the position is $43,000 to $53,000.

The three people being considered to replace Chief John O'Donald are:

Capt. Rick Turner of the Gaffney Police Dept.

Seventh Judicial Circuit Investigator Rick Burgess

Anderson County Sheriff's Dept. Special Operations Lt. Billy Looper