APEX — The town of Apex has selected a new police chief.

John Letteney, who has more than 30 years of law-enforcement experience, has been named the new chief, according to a release from Apex.

Letteney will replace Jack Lewis, who announced his retirement earlier this year after a 37-year career.

For the past seven years, Letteney has served as police chief in Southern Pines. He was selected from more than 100 applicants for the Apex job. He and other candidates underwent a multi-day assessment process in which law-enforcement experts conducted evaluations.

"Chief Letteney exhibited the characteristics that are essential in the police chief - experience, knowledge, expertise, and integrity," Town Manager Bruce Radford said in a statement.

Letteney is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in public administration.

"I am excited about joining the town staff and becoming a part of the Apex community," Letteney stated. "I will do my best to continue the tradition of service, integrity and pride the Apex Police Department is known for and deliver professional services in the manner the citizens of Apex deserve and have come to expect."