Pinal County Sheriff Roger Vanderpool has been tabbed by Governor Napolitano to head the Department of Public Safety.

A 30-year veteran of law enforcement, Mr. Vanderpool will be a great addition to the state’s largest police agency, the governor said.

“His years of experienced leadership and extensive background in Arizona’s law enforcement issues make him the perfect candidate for DPS director,” Ms. Napolitano said. “He will do an excellent job leading Arizona’s finest at DPS.”

Mr. Vanderpool is currently serving his second term as sheriff. He directs 350 employees, manages an annual operating budget of nearly $20 million and operates a 472-bed detention facility. During his tenure as sheriff, Pinal County has built a 46,000-square-foot administration building.

Work is also underway to expand a $70 million detention and training facility for adults and juveniles.

Prior to his service as county sheriff, Mr. Vanderpool was a DPS officer for 20 years. He worked as a patrolman, a lieutenant of the Highway Patrol and as a lieutenant of criminal investigations. Prior to that, he was a patrolman for the Goshen, Ind., Police Department and was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Vanderpool is active in the community, serving as president of the Arizona Sheriff’s Association, president of the Pinal County Law Enforcement Association and a board member of the Casa Grande Boys and Girls Club.

His professional and educational backgrounds include the FBI National Academy, National Sheriff’s Institute, Arizona State University Command College and Public Executive Institute and Indiana University.

Mr. Vanderpool will remain the Pinal County Sheriff until he is confirmed by the state Senate. He is replacing former DPS director Dennis Garrett, who retired in January. Ms. Napolitano had previously selected U.S. Marshal David Gonzales to run the department, but he withdrew his name from consideration shortly after Mr. Garrett retired.

Lt. Col. David Felix will continue to act as DPS interim director until Mr. Vanderpool’s confirmation.