FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Frustration is growing in Fort Pierce as the city moves closer to choosing its next police chief and no internal candidates made the final three.

All three finalists introduced at a community meet-and-greet Tuesday night come from out of state, leaving many residents and some city leaders asking why longtime Fort Pierce officers weren’t advanced in the process, especially during a year marked by low morale and high turnover inside the department.

The finalists are:

Vernon Hale, a 30-year law enforcement veteran from Texas

Dave Smith, a 24-year veteran from Prince William County, Virginia

Mirtha Ramos, former chief of the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia

Dozens filled the River Walk Center Tuesday night to question the candidates directly.

“The ability to have the show-out of people that have come that’s impressive in its own right,” Resident Kim Johnson said.

Concerns about longevity and losing local talent

For many attendees, the top concern was not who is on the list, but who isn’t. Several residents said they worry an outside chief may not stay long enough to make meaningful change.

“They’re probably just going to come here, see Fort Pierce, and head out after they earned the chief badge,” Resident Alex Olsen said.

City Commissioner Michael Broderick voiced similar concerns, saying qualified internal candidates were not advanced to the final round.

“We have highly skilled, highly talented people on our staff that applied and I have serious reservations about how this process unfolded,” Commissioner Broderick said.

How the city says these finalists were chosen

In response to residents’ questions, the City of Fort Pierce outlined how the decision was made.

According to the city, the finalists were selected through a detailed, nationwide search led by S. Renee Narloch & Associates.

A seven-member interview committee — including the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and two retired Fort Pierce police leaders — interviewed seven candidates, including two internal officers, before recommending the three finalists.

The city says the candidates were chosen based on experience, leadership skills, and their long-term vision for the department.

What the candidates told residents

During the meet-and-greet, each finalist shared their perspective on the department and the community.

“At the end of the day, it’s my job to be a support and make sure folks get the resources they need,” Candidate Vernon Hale said.

“It’s a city that’s growing, a city that’s transitioning — and I’d like to be a part of that change,” Candidate Mirtha Ramos said.

“I’ve been a police officer for about 24 and a half years proud Army veteran before that,” Candidate Dave Smith said.

Despite tough questions, including concerns about past outside hires and union support for internal candidates, conversations remained productive.

What happens next

The City Manager’s final recommendation will be on December 8th.

CBS12 News will continue following developments as Fort Pierce moves closer to naming its next police chief.