Former South Bend Fire Chief and current state Fire Marshal Stephen Cox has been appointed to serve as the executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security by Governor Eric Holcomb.

The governor appointed Cox Fire Marshal in October.

"I would like to thank the Governor for this opportunity, and I'm honored to be in this position," Cox said. "I look forward to working with the wonderful people at IDHS to push our important mission forward and continue the great work we do for Hoosiers."

“Steve understands the nuts and bolts mission of the Department of Homeland Security. He spent his first 60 days as fire marshal listening and engaging responders across the state, and because of that I’m confident he will be a strong leader for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security as they protect the people, property and prosperity of our state,” Gov. Holcomb said.

Cox will begin the new position immediately.

The governor will appoint an interim state fire marshal.