When a job as important as police chief opens, it’s crucial to hire the best possible candidate. Maybe that’s someone from within the department, or maybe it’s someone from outside.

The only way to know, though, is to conduct an open search that includes advertising the job.

Last week, Rumford selectmen voted 3-2 to advertise the position. The vote should have been unanimous.

The hiring process gives the town the best chance to protect itself from problems down the road. Just look up the road in Bethel, where a dispute between the town and a former chief of police is being fought out in court. Thousands of dollars have been spent by the town to defend its firing of ex-Chief Darren Tripp. Governments have an obligation to go forward carefully when hiring public servants; the decisions – and problems they can create – can involve significant taxpayer burdens down the road.

Three internal candidates have applied for the job. One of them might make the best chief. But a full and open search is the most prudent way to make sure the most qualified person is hired.

Chief Timothy Bourassa’s retirement is effective Dec. 23. Lt. Stacy Carter, a 16-year department veteran, will serve as acting chief until a permanent appointment is made. We’re confident that the town is in good hands while a thorough search is conducted. There’s no good reason to rush the decision.

There are advantages to hiring from within, but they don’t outweigh the need to find the best person possible. The majority of selectmen made the right decision.