After 25 years with the Knoxville Police Department, former chief David Rausch was sworn in this morning as the new director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Governor Bill Haslam touted Rausch’s wealth of experience and leadership in working to improve safety in Tennessee. “As police chief in Knoxville, he took on both urban and rural public-safety issues and collaborated with local, state and federal partners to help address some of the region’s most pressing crimes, such as gang activity and human trafficking,” Haslam said.

Rausch, 55, who rose through the ranks served on the KPD special-operations squad, also served as deputy chief before becoming chief of police in 2011.

Of his appointment as TBI Director, Rausch vowed to “move this organization forward,” adding, “I’m ready to go on day one. This is day one. We’re ready.”

Knoxville Police Department Chief Deputy Eve Thomas was elevated to chief today.