MUNSTER | Munster police said the town should look within its own ranks to find its next top cop.

The Munster Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 147 issued a statement Monday opposing the town's decision to conduct a nationwide search to replace Chief Nick Panich, who plans to retire in December.

The department has several people who have gained education, experience and the confidence of fellow officers and can lead the department, according to the statement.

The Town Council recently supported the Board of Safety's recommendation to hire an independent firm to search nationally for Panich's replacement.

"This does not disallow the members for the force from applying for the job," Town Council President Helen Brown said. "I personally am encouraging members of the local force to apply."

FOP Secretary Joe Pacheco said he doesn't know how many officers might be interested in the job, but they want a chance at it. A job opening notification hasn't been posted in the station, he said.

Brown said it is so infrequent that the town needs to replace its police chief, so officials want to be thorough in the search. Bringing in an outside firm helps maintain objectivity in filling the position, she said.

Town officials said the search could cost between $15,000 and $20,000. The FOP stated it doesn't see the validity in spending that much money during a budget crisis.

Brown said the town doesn't like to spend money when it doesn't have to, but the need to replace a police chief doesn't happen often.

The FOP has a 53-person membership that includes current and retired officers.