Collegiate Times

Last night, Capt. Kim Crannis was installed as the new police chief for the Blacksburg police department. Mayor Ron Rordam swore Crannis in with a pledge where she swore to defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

?On behalf of the Town Council we are very excited and proud to have (her)? Rordam said. ?We are looking forward to working with (her) every year to make Blacksburg the absolute best.?

Following the swearing in, former police chief Bill Brown and Crannis?s mother pinned a set of eagles on Crannis?s shirt collar that would signify her new position.

?I am honored stand here before you as the Chief of Blacksburg? Crannis said to the town council. ?When I started here almost 23 years ago I never thought I would be standing where I am. I am very excited to work with so many fine Blacksburg police officers so we can move our agency to the next step.?

Crannis is the first woman to be appointed the Chief of Police position in Blacksburg. She has worked with the Blacksburg police department since 1984 beginning as a patrol officer. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Crannis was selected from a pool of 51 other potential contenders based on results from an application submission, a video interview, and a panel interview. She also holds a masters degree from Virginia Tech in public administration.

At the ceremony, Crannis was joined and supported by her family, friends and co-workers.

?As you can see, I have a rather large support system from my family, and friends and co-workers both inside and outside the department and other agencies? Crannis said.

Crannis is following the footsteps of Brown who retired in June after serving 12 years as the chief of police.

Crannis will assume her position today as chief of police. Until another officer is selected to fill her previous position as Operation Divisions Commander, she will continue to hold that post as well.