The Oklahoma City Manager is set to make an announcement on Friday after Oklahoma City Police Department Chief Wade Gourley retired.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.In less than 24 hours, Oklahoma City will know who the next top cop will be.Gourley is the city’s 50th chief of police, having served with the department since 1989 and being named chief in July 2019.>> Download the KOCO 5 AppThe issues on his plate during his tenure included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and large-scale protests and calls for change in the wake of George Floyd’s death."It's really gonna be important that we have someone that's got good experience serving in a larger community,” said Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman.The task of appointing a new police chief is the responsibility of the Oklahoma City Manager’s Office. Officials have said they have searched nationwide for who will best fill the position.Back in March, when the city first announced Gourley’s plans to retire, KOCO 5 asked community leaders who they wanted to see in charge."Someone who is community-focused and not just department-focused," said the Rev. T. Sheri Amore Dickerson, with the Oklahoma City chapter of Black Lives Matter."A leader who recognizes the difficulties of law enforcement but also acknowledges the mental and physical wellness of our officers," said Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police.KOCO 5 obtained an internal email written by Gourley.“I heard a monster is running around like a huge fire breathing dinosaur right now and appears to be out of control,” Gourley wrote to his team, referring to the rumors floating around who will fill his position.“I have prayed for City Manager Freeman throughout the process as he navigates this difficult decision and will continue to do so. I will also pray for those who choose to be divisive during this time,” Gourley said.Gourley also told his department the field of candidates had been narrowed down and two of the department’s deputy chiefs were still in the running. In a farewell letter to the department, Gourley offered advice for officers and staff."The most important advice I can add to all of this is something very simple. With these words I have discussed today the department has given you a simple guide to follow. You will never misinterpret anything or tarnish your badge if you just follow these five words. Integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and equity. Those are not just words you say or see on the side of our vehicles. They are the core values of the Oklahoma City Police Department and what we strive for in everything we do. These values are your guide. Take care of yourselves, take care of your family and friends and always strive for perfection. May God bless each of you," Gourley wrote.The announcement is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday and KOCO 5 will be there and bring the latest on air and online as soon as we find out.Top HeadlinesTIMELINE: Severe storms with risk of 60-70 mph damaging winds possibly on Thursday5 people, including 2 doctors, charged in investigation into Matthew Perry’s deathState Superintendent Ryan Walters faces scrutiny from member of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s cabinetNew law preventing teachers from directly communicating with students starts this school yearPolice investigating homicide after OKC woman dies week after being struck by stray bullet in bed