FARRELL, Pa. - Farrell's new police chief, Thomas Burke, says he has no plans to step down after an e-mail with a racial slur went public. And despite fielding criticism, he told reporters that he believes he is still the most qualified person for the job.

"I can not tell you -- from the bottom of my heart. I am truly sorry," said Burke during a Monday afternoon press conference.

Burke says he never meant to hurt anyone when he sent out an email in April containing a racial expletive. 

Burke was scheduled to take over the Farrell Police Department at the beginning of the year but, it's not clear at this point whether that will still happen.

City Manager Michael Ceci says community leaders are planning an open forum to allow for public input.

"In terms of this man and this position they're asking me to allow the dialogue to happen, without just immediately making judgement and moving on from that point," said Ceci.

During the press conference some local religious leaders spoke in Burke's defense.

"He is a good man. I've seen his actions and I just ask that you not judge his character off of one word," said Rev. Brian Pleasant with One Kingdom Ministries.

Others expressed concern.

"They're going to say, 'oh yeah your that police that called us all that n-word.' And he's going to have to say something back and they're going to say something back and we are looking to see an incident that we do not need to see," said Farrell Resident Martha Sanders.

Burke stood quietly during the comments, afterwards he admitted to reporters he's used the racial term before.

"That's the slang they use out there. It's not a term of race, it's a term of brother, friend," said Burke.

City leaders are planning an open forum, most likely next Wednesday, where the community can raise any questions and concerns regarding Burke's appointment as chief.