By IL Statehouse News
Springfield, IL – Just weeks after Governor Pat Quinn's first pick for Illinois' top cop had to change jobs because of Senate scrutiny, the state's upper chamber has approved a new director for the Illinois State Police.
The Illinois Senate Wednesday confirmed Hiram Grau as the director by a unanimous vote.
Senators in the previous General Assembly never confirmed the governor's pick of Jonathon Monken for the position, after questioning the 29-year-old's lack of law enforcement experience.
Grau says he was overwhelmed by the response. "I am humbled and I am honored. But I thank Gov. Quinn for this opportunity, and I vow to work as hard as I possibly can for the people of the state of Illinois."
A Vietnam War veteran and former Chicago police officer, Grau retired in 2008 after 27 years with the Chicago Police Department.
Grau will earn more than $132,000 a year as ISP director.
