BELLINGHAM - The Bellingham Police Department has a new acting chief, but it's strictly temporary.

Deputy Police Chief Mark Gill immediately took on chief duties after retiring department head Todd Ramsay announced Wednesday, Oct. 31 - in an internal memo - that he was going on medical leave for the rest of the year.

Gill, 56, was appointed by Mayor Kelli Linville. He has worked for the department for three decades. Gill announced, through a statement from the mayor's office, he's not in the hunt for the permanent chief position.

Linville expects to hire a new chief by the end of the year. The deadline for applications is Friday.

Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.