Challenges new Director to reinvigorate the KBI
May 23, 2007--Attorney General Paul Morrison announced Bob Blecha as his pick to lead the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). This announcement follows a rigorous interview process that lasted several months with dozens of credible internal and external candidates.
"Under the leadership of Bob Blecha, the KBI will move forward focusing on the new challenges that face law enforcement," Morrison said. "I am confident that his career with the KBI has prepared him to lead our top investigative agency."
Morrison challenges Blecha to offer local law enforcement every assistance they need, but also develop new programs to address the ever growing challenges of crime on the Internet.
"This is an exciting time for the KBI," Morrison said. "They have the opportunity to serve the people of this state in their respected tradition and also reinvigorate the agency, focusing on new challenges of crime."
Blecha began his lifelong career in law enforcement after serving in the United Stated Army during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he returned to his hometown of Cuba and was elected sheriff of Republic County. At that time, he was 23 years-old and the youngest sheriff in the nation.
"Bob and I share a similar philosophy on leadership-we choose to lead by example, hire the best people and work hard," Morrison said. "We've both dedicated our lives to protecting Kansans and keeping families safe."
In 1979, Blecha joined the KBI working out of Hays. During the next fifteen years, he worked with law enforcement in Western Kansas. In 1994, he was promoted to Special Agent Supervisor of the Special Services Division and transferred to the Topeka office.
In 1996, Blecha graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After working his way up through the ranks, he was named Assistant Director of the KBI in charge of the Field Investigations Division.
As the newly appointed director, Blecha pledged to focus on cyber crimes, new technology and assisting local law enforcement.
"I am honored to continue my service to the people of Kansas as the new director of the KBI," Blecha said. "We have a unique opportunity to improve the way Kansas assists law enforcement by creating innovative programs to crack down on Internet crime. I look forward to working with the Attorney General and my colleagues at the KBI to move this organization forward."
Morrison also commended outgoing Director Larry Welch for an outstanding career in law enforcement.
"I commend Director Larry Welch on a distinguished career of service to people of Kansas," Morrison said. "During his tenure with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Director Welch helped make Kansas a safer place to live through hard work and steadfast dedication."