CONCORD -- The governor announced on Tuesday that he will nominate Hampton Police Chief Bill Wrenn to serve as New Hampshire's Commissioner of Corrections at Wednesday's Governor and Council meeting.

"Chief Wrenn has the knowledge and proven ability to work with me, the legislature, and corrections employees to develop a long-term vision for our corrections department that focuses [on] keeping our citizens safe and reducing crime," said Gov. John Lynch in a news release.

Wrenn has served as chief since early 1995, but has been with the Hampton police department since 1974, becoming a full-time officer after serving part time for six months.

Since that time Wrenn has worked his way up through the ranks serving as detective, detective sergeant in command of Criminal Investigations, deputy chief of police for administration, deputy chief of police for operations, as well as acting police chief.

As legislative committee chairman and former president of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, Wrenn has been deeply involved in working to improve New Hampshire's laws to better protect its citizens.

Most recently, Wrenn worked closely with Gov. Lynch and state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte to develop the Child Protection Act, a comprehensive bill to toughen laws and protect children from sexual predators.

"I'm honored to be nominated for the position of commissioner," said Wrenn on Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to the process in working with the executive council."