Harrisonburg Police Chief Monticelli staying in the Valley

UPDATE (Aug. 2):

Harrisonburg Police Chief Stephen Monticelli is staying in the Shenandoah Valley.

Monticelli was one of four candidates up for a police chief job in Lawrence, Kansas – the home of the University of Kansas, with a population of over 92,000.

But the Lawrence Police Department announced on Wednesday it has chosen Gregory Burns, Jr. as their next chief, a candidate from Louisville, Kentucky.

Monticelli took office in Harrisonburg back in 2012.

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Harrisonburg Police Chief Stephen Monticelli is a finalist for the position of police chief of Lawrence, Kansas.

According to the

City of Lawrence website

, Monticelli is one of four candidates facing a final interview in the selection process for the city's new police chief.

That's the home to the University of Kansas and has a population of over 92,000.

Monticelli was sworn in as Harrisonburg's police chief in 2012.

“The candidates interviewed during this process are top-notch public safety professionals with excellent credentials and experience,” Lawrence City Manager Tom Markus said. “I am excited to have four highly qualified individuals who have the experience, knowledge, and skills to lead our police department. All the candidates who participated are strong leaders and represent the best in their field.”

According to Harrisonburg spokeswoman Mary-Hope Vass, there is currently no job posting for Harrisonburg Police Chief and no changes planned in the immediate future.

Although Monticelli is traveling out of town and unavailable for an interview, he provided the following statement:

This is an opportunity for me to further the experience and knowledge I gained in Harrisonburg to another vibrant locality. I am originally from the Midwest and this would also give me an opportunity to get closer to family and grandchildren. Harrisonburg is a wonderful community with a very professional police department and I will continue to have full confidence in the men and women who serve if the opportunity works out.