April 28, 2010
April 28, 2010
Succeeds Munoz who will become federal marshal
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today appointed Lieutenant Colonel Eddie L. Washington, Jr. director of the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP) effective May 23, 2010. A nearly 26-year veteran of the MSP, Washington will become the 17th director and, as director, also will serve as state director of emergency management and as Michigan's homeland security director.
Washington replaces Colonel Peter C. Munoz who has accepted an appointment by President Obama to serve as United States Marshal for the Western District of Michigan.
"Throughout his 26 years with the department, Eddie Washington has exemplified the very best in law enforcement and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our state," said Governor Granholm. "As director of the Michigan State Police, he will uphold the agency's long-standing traditions, which place a premium on protecting the safety of Michigan citizens."
Washington is currently deputy director of the Michigan Department of State Police and commander of the Field Services Bureau. In this capacity, Washington oversees two regions of the state as well as the Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Safety Division, and the Special Operations Division, which includes the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center. He also serves as a member of the executive council, establishing goals and objectives for the department.
The Michigan State Police is a full service law enforcement organization with 2,600 enlisted and civilian employees. Washington has been employed with the MSP since 1984, joining as a member of the department's 98th Trooper Recruit School. The agency includes three bureaus, the largest being the Field Services Bureau that Washington oversees.
Washington holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Wayne County Community College and a bachelor's degree in business administration from William Tyndale College. He has completed the executive leadership program offered by the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command as well as the 218th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Washington serves on several boards and committees, including the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN) policy board.
Governor Granholm praised Munoz for his service and congratulated him on his appointment by the president.
"When I appointed Pete director of the Michigan State Police, I said he was a perfect fit for the job, and he was," Granholm said. "Pete has served this state with distinction by protecting the safety of Michigan citizens in the face of challenges posed by threats from across the globe and the demands presented by the state budget. I thank him for his excellent service and wish him every success as he continues to serve the state in his new capacity as an appointee of the president."
Munoz' retirement from the MSP is effective May 23, 2010.
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