The selection of a new police chief for the town of Farmville is set to come after the Oct. 4. vice presidential debate at Longwood University.

During Farmville Town Council’s Sept. 14 meeting, Ward C representative and Vice Mayor A.D. “Chuckie” Reid, chairman of the town’s personnel committee, said the process of interviewing candidates was ongoing.

“Hopefully, by after the debate, we’ll try to have a decision for police chief,” Reid said.

More than 30 people have applied for the position, said Town Manager Gerald Spates, who said applications are still being submitted.

“We pretty much said it was going to be open until filled,” he said.

Last time there was a vacancy for the position, Spates said, more than 60 applications were received.

“They (council) just felt the timing would be better to wait until after the debate, and not because of who were were picking or what, they just felt that it would be a better process (that) way.”

Acting Police Chief A.Q. “Andy” Ellington, who’s served with the department since the 1980s, confirmed he has applied for the position. Ellington previously served as captain and chief deputy, and first served as acting chief after former chief Doug Mooney retired.