The Gainesville Police Department will see a new chief earlier than expected, but it will only be temporary.

In a memo to Gainesville City Manager Russ Blackburn, GPD Chief Norman Botsford announced his desire to retire on July 6. That's almost four months earlier than he had first indicated.

Retired Captain Tony Jones, who helps run the Reichert House for young men, was named interim chief.

This comes shortly after the June 1 deadline for people to apply for the job. The 93 applicants include two local officers: GPD Captain Lonnie Scott and GPD Major Rick Hanna.

"What you try to do is just maintain the department on an even flow," said Jones. "I think we have a great group of officers."

City Manager Russ Blackburn says the announcement will not affect the ongoing search process.