The much awaited search for Police Chief Nannette Hegerty's replacement is closer - as of Monday - to a finalist. Chief Hegerty is leaving her post in November. The field consists of four internal candidates and four outside candidates with significant experience.

The four internal candidates include:
• Denita Ball, a deputy inspector since 2005 and with the department since 1985.

• Ramon Galaviz, a deputy inspector since 1996 and with the department since 1982.

• James Harpole, a captain since 2005 and with the department since 1985.

• Brian O'Keefe, a deputy chief since 2003 and with the department since 1981.

The remaining candidates come from outside of Milwaukee - some not very far away - and a few of them have "not quite squeaky clean" histories. Ralph Chiczewski worked for the Chicago Police Department since 1973. Thomas McGuire comes from Washington D.C. where he has been since 1979. McGuire was also a finalist for chief in Greenville, South Carolina. Leonard Supenski spent his time in Ypsilanti, MI and Baltimore. The most damning candidate, Louis Vega, jumped around several districts. Vega spent most of his time in New York City Police Department but left amid a controversy and went to Hartford, CT. He left there after allegely using a homophobic slur - which he has denied, but he promptly resigned. After that he went to Miami.

Though, I'm the first to say that the new Police Chief isn't the most exciting news, I do think it's important for all of us to be aware. I can't say whether Mr. Vega actually used a homophobic slur but it does make me not want him as Milwaukee's new chief.