Update: This story has been updated to incorporate additional facts and quotes from Attorney General Bridget Hill's press release dispatched Thursday.
For its next director, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has tapped one of its own.
Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill on Wednesday appointed Robert "Ronnie" Jones, commander of DCI's southern region, as the next director of the statewide police force.
The current director, Forrest Williams, announced his retirement this year and is scheduled to leave the post in May.
Hill announced the appointment publicly on Thursday.
"I have the utmost confidence in Ronnie's ability to lead DCI," said Hill. "I know he will continue and build upon the great work of Director Williams and the entire DCI team. His experience and skills will be a tremendous asset to law enforcement and the State of Wyoming as a whole."
Jones, as commander of DCIs Region 2, oversees operations in Evanston, Afton, Rock Springs, Rawlins, Laramie, Cheyenne and the Wyoming Information Analysis Team. He has been part of DCI since 2005 when he began working for the statewide agency as a special agent, Hill's statement says.
Jones worked previously with the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Rock Springs Police Department. Hill said Jones' long career in law enforcement will help him work well with other Wyoming law-enforcement agencies.
"I am pleased to be chosen to lead DCI and look forward to continuing and improving upon the good work and value DCI provides to the criminal justice system," said Jones in the statement. "The people of DCI are exceptional and their service to the citizens of the State is unmatched."
Hill in her statement expressed gratitude for Williams, saying he has "served with distinction and honor and I want to personally thank him. He will be greatly missed upon his well-deserved retirement."
As director, said Hill, Williams has strengthened DCI and left it "poised to continue its legacy of outstanding law enforcement work."
