Just days after Mandeville’s top cop relinquished his post, more than a dozen resumes have already made their way to the mayor’s hands from parties interested in taking Chief Tom Buell’s position.

The position isn’t officially open yet, Mayor Eddie Price said, yet he’s received about 15-20 applications already. And that’s only the beginning.

Buell was basically forced into retirement after an auditor’s report revealed he used thousands of dollars from the department’s charitable fund on non-charitable events. When the report was released, it quickly garnered the attention of the media along with state and federal officials, who are currently investigating Buell and the toy-giving fund. Buell’s 30-year tenure as chief came to an end Jan. 1 thanks in part to pressure from the City Council and public outcry.

Price is responsible for appointing the next chief, but he said he doesn’t plan on hiring another until he gets the position removed from the civil service, a measure that requires legislative action. That will likely take six months, Price said.

In the meantime, Capt. Ron Ruple is interim chief.

Price refused to reveal who the interested applicants are, but he did say a couple of the parties are highly recognizable individuals.

Besides top pay, more than $90,000 annually, Mandeville’s police chief position is a very attractive seat to hold, Price said, thanks to the blend of small-town charm and big city life Mandeville has to offer.

When the time comes, Price said in addition to a local search, he wants to seek out a new chief regionally.

Price said in December he has agreed to form a committee consisting of local officials to aid his hiring decision.