Springfield, Illinois —Mr. Hiram Grau, the new Director of the Illinois State Police, was sworn into office today in Springfield by Governor Pat Quinn.  State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) attended the event after the Senate approved his appointment unanimously earlier in the day.

“Director Grau brings a background of strong leadership and management skills with him to this position, which will be necessary in his new duties as the Director of the Illinois State Police,” stated Senator Munoz, Chairman of the Executive Appointments Committee.  “I congratulate him on his appointment.”

Mr. Grau, a former Chicago police officer, is a 27-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department (CPD).  He began his career as a street patrol officer.  Mr. Grau worked his way up through the ranks and spent much of his career working in or commanding gang investigation units for CPD, and ended his career there as deputy superintendent for the Bureau of Investigative Services.

After leaving the CPD, Mr. Grau went to work for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, where he was the Deputy Chief of Investigations.

Mr. Grau was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago as a young man.  He joined the Chicago Police Department in 1981.  He is a decorated Vietnam veteran and earned his Masters of Business Administration Degree form St. Xavier University in 2003.

“Mr. Grau is the first Latino to head the Illinois State Police,” stated Senator Munoz. “This is a momentous day for our state.”