Police Chief David Wilson told some 30 applicants looking to fill 10 positions within Foley Police Department at present that things are "very exciting at Foley Police Department."

Wilson addressed the applicants in council chambers at City Hall on Tuesday morning prior to testing. He said FPD is looking to hire 10 police officers in the first "batch" of applicants. Some of those tested will be interviewed, he said.

"Having the highest pay is an excellent problem to have," Wilson told the applicants as regards so much interest in joining FPD. His reference was to FPD's starting salary for police officers being the highest in the county.

"The city has a bright future," the chief told the applicants.

Wilson said over a hundred applicants have applied for positions within FPD.

"I don't think Foley Police Department has ever had that many apply before," he said.

"It's an excellent problem to have, to get to select the highest quality of applicants."

In this first round of applicants, Wilson, in comments made outside council chambers, said FPD is looking for experienced police officers, officers that are needed on Foley streets now.

"That's what this room is filled up with," he said, a reference to the applicants gathered in council chambers.

Wilson said FPD will continue to look for experienced officers in the next round of applicants as well, but will also look at some applicants with not so much experience next time.

"They make good police officers too," he said of the latter.

"I'm very pleased with the change I'm witnessing in the Police Department," Wilson said, noting citizens tell him everyday they too see the change.

"They are wanting to become the best," he said of Foley police officers, administrative staff and support personnel.