Mayor picks new Public Safety Director

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has selected the city’s new public safety director.

Troy Riggs, the assistant city manager in Corpus Christi, Texas, was selected for the position.

Frank Straub resigned from the post earlier this year and took a job in Spokane, Wash.

Ballard plans to introduce Riggs at a news conference Tuesday morning.

Other candidates considered for the position include Indianapolis Fire Chief Brian Sanford and Gary Coons, the head of the city’s Division of Homeland Security.

Corpus Christi City Manager Ron Olson spoke highly of Riggs in a news release.

"Troy is more than an asset; he is a tremendous public servant. Troy took on a large challenge at the police department and as an Assistant City Manager, and he has magnified the scope of the position's responsibilities and raised the bar in the management of projects," Olson said. "Troy has such an upbeat personality, we are all going to miss him, but I wish him the very best in his future endeavors. All of Corpus Christi wishes he and his family well."

Riggs began as police chief in Corpus Christi in October 2009. He was promoted to assistant city manager in October 2011, overseeing safety, health and neighborhoods.