TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has named a new
superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Sebelius announced Friday that Col. William Seck will step down as of Feb. 8. Sebelius said he is leaving to take care of family obligations. He and his wife are moving to Oklahoma City to care for her aging parents.

Sebelius commended Seck for his commitment to his family and for his leadership in guiding the Patrol for nearly five years. "Bill is a strong leader who moved the Patrol in a positive direction and leaves the agency in great condition," Sebelius said. She also recognized him for his long career in federal and state law enforcement and thanked him for his dedication service to her administration and to the people of Kansas.

Seck is a retired FBI agent who was appointed by Sebelius nearly
five years ago.

Sebelius named Lt. Col. Terry Maple as the new superintendent. Maple has served as assistant superintendent since 1999.

"I'm proud to name Terry as the new leader of the Kansas Highway Patrol. Terry brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience to the position, all of which have been the Kansas Highway Patrol. he is a respected leader in the agency, as well as by local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and community leaders across the state," Sebelius said.

"I'm honored the Governor has asked me to serve as Superintendent and I will do my best to continue the strong leadership that has come before me. I believe my years of experience and variety of duty assignments have given me a unique insight into the Kansas Highway Patrol," Maple said.