The search for a new Ames police chief was narrowed from 50 candidates to three Tuesday by Ames City Manager Steve Schainker.

A familiar face to Iowa State, Loras Jaeger, Director of the Department of Public Safety, is still in the running to replace Capt. Terry Bird who has served as the interim police chief after Dennis Ballantine retired earlier this year.

Jaeger, who has been the DPS director for 11 years, has a total of 33 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to the position at Iowa State, he was the city police chief in Cedar Falls.

Explaining the role of the university law officer to the community is the most difficult aspect of the job, Jaeger said.

“University law enforcement is not considered as competent as other organizations,” he said. “You are constantly trying to sell your organization.”

He said working with students at Iowa State has been a highlight during his career.

“Working with young people creates a vibrant environment,” he said. “I have been extremely impressed with the work ethic and optimism of the people here.”

Jaeger declined to comment on any matters concerning the Ames Police Chief position.

Another of the candidates bears a name familiar to followers of the ISU men’s basketball team.

William Sullivan, current police chief of Oakdale, Minn., is the father of the ISU basketball player Jake Sullivan.

Sullivan has held the Oakdale Police Chief position for 13 years.

Prior to Oakdale, he was the police chief at Emmetsburg. His experience totals 23 years in civilian law enforcement and three years in military law enforcement.

Sullivan hopes to gain a fresh perspective if he is named the new chief.

“From a career standpoint, this is a very logical career move considering the size of the community and department,” he said. “I look forward to the challenge of working in a major college community.”

Sullivan said he feels he can relate well to young people. His Oakdale department has been recognized for innovative programs involving law enforcement.

“My wife and I would also like to move to Ames because our boys are there,” Sullivan said.

He said after the Sullivan boys graduate, he and his wife will still be happy in Ames.

“We just fell in love with it when we came down to basketball games.”

The third finalist is William Sudbury who is currently the police chief in Munster, Ind.

Sudbury said the choice to apply in Ames is the result of a variety of things.

“I like that area,” he said. “It’s almost a combination of rural and urban areas, as opposed to one or the other.”

Sudbury said he is excited to have the chance to work in a university atmosphere.

“I think it will be a definite challenge, and will present an opportunity to work with a culturally diverse community,” he said.

Sudbury said experience is the biggest asset he brings to the table.

“There are not too many situations that I haven’t seen,” he said.

Steve Schainker, Ames City Manager, said the public will have an opportunity to meet the candidates at the end of June.

The two-day event will give the community and the police department a chance to interview the candidates.

Shainker said their decision will be influenced by candidates’ leadership ability, innovative tendencies, motivational skills and ideas on customer service.

An assessment center will also be a part of the next stage of interviewing. Real-life skills will be asked of the candidates, such as giving presentations to the public and writing a formal response to a member of the public, he said.

“The remaining three candidates have impressive credentials and experience,” Shainker said. “We are just looking for the best candidate.”

The final decision will be announced in July, and the new police chief will assume his duties sometime in August or September.