Lt. Wendell Flinchum, a 21-year veteran of the Virginia Tech Police Department, has been named the department’s interim chief of police effective July 1. Flinchum’s appointment follows the resignation of Chief Debra Duncan, who will leave the university to become police chief for the City of Monroe, N.C.

In addition to being named interim chief of police, Flinchum, who as been conducting captain level duties and responsibilities over the last year, will be promoted to the level of captain, effective immediately.

“Captain Flinchum has served the Virginia Tech community capably and with the highest level of integrity throughout his career,” said James A. Hyatt, executive vice president and chief operating officer “He’ll be an effective leader during the time it takes to do a thorough national search to identify our next police chief.

“In view of the important role this position has at the university, we are currently in the process of establishing a search committee and we will shortly announce the composition of the committee,” Hyatt said.

Hyatt expressed his appreciation to Chief Duncan for her five years of service at Virginia Tech. “Many of the programs that have been implemented under Chief Duncan’s leadership, such as the Adopt-A-Hall program; the Park, Walk, and Talk program; and the Student’s Policy Academy, will continue to play an important role in the success of the department for many years to come. These efforts truly support the department’s mission to maintain a secure environment, and to provide dedicated service for all persons living, working, and visiting within the university.

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