Portsmouth’s gain is Bristol’s loss.

When Portsmouth Police Cheif Thomas Lee announced his retirement recently, Brian Peters quickly became the number one name on Portsmouth’s short list of candidates to replace him.

Sworn in in early March, Peters, a 20-year veteran of the Portsmouth Police Department, has served as Bristol’s interim chief since former Chief Josue Canario submitted to Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente a letter of intent to retire, effective May 9. Chief Canario served with the Bristol Police Department for 33 years, 11 as chief. From March 11 until May 9, Chief Canario was on voluntary medical leave.

“I want to thank Chief Peters for his continued dedication to public safety and his willingness to serve as interim chief for the Town of Bristol,” said Mr. Contente. “And best wishes in his permanent role as police chief in neighboring Portsmouth.”

“I had a great experience in Bristol, and I was honored by the welcoming reception I received here,” said departing Chief Peters. “I’m looking forward to returning to my roots in Portsmouth, but very thankful to Bristol’s council and administrator for all their support these past four months.”

One of the tasks that has required much of Chief Peters’ time during his brief tenure has been sorting out the issue of the Bristol Police Department’s lost federal and state accreditation. According to Mr. Contente, that task is complete and the Bristol Police Department is ready for its August assessment with CALEA, the federal accrediting agency for police departments.

Though the Portsmouth Town Council unanimously voted to hire Chief Peters as their new, permanent chief on Monday night, Mr. Contente waited until he could share the news with the Bristol Police Department, on Tuesday, including his choice of new interim chief, Captain Brian Burke.

Captain Burke is a 22-year veteran of the Bristol force, currently serving as Detective Commander.

The search for a new, permanent chief remains underway, and the Town of Bristol Personnel Board has a written exam scheduled for the candidates, of which there are currently 13, for August.

Once the results of that exam are in, the chief will be chosen from among the top three finalists, determined by a formula that gives 60 percent weight to a candidate’s score on the written exam, 10 percent to seniority, and 30 percent to an administrative evaluation.

“There are some very good candidates,” said Mr. Contente. “I’m confident we will end up with excellent leadership.”

He’s equally confident in Bristol’s newest interim chief, who will be officially stepping into the role on July 5. “Chief Burke’s leadership will continue to provide professional and outstanding police services for the residents and visitors of Bristol.”