KALAMAZOO, MI -- The city of Kalamazoo announced Monday that Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley has accepted the position of chief with the Chatham County Police Department in Georgia.

Hadley's last day with KDPS will be Wednesday, Nov. 22. Deputy Chief Karianne Thomas, who has been with the department 23 years, will be appointed to the position immediately after his departure, City Manager Jim Ritsema said in a news release.

Hadley has been with KDPS for nine years. He was also in the running for a chief position in Florida.

Ritsema said Hadley's leadership has left KDPS a better organization and Kalamazoo a better city.

"I have no doubt he will continue to have this effect in Chatham County, Georgia and in other communities as he continues his career," Ritsema said.

Thomas's appointment to the position of chief will mark the first time a female has held the position in Kalamazoo. Ritsema said she is a distinguished leader with experience in all areas of law enforcement.

"She has consistently been recognized throughout her career for her professionalism, effectiveness, and dedication to service and earns the confidence and admiration of all of her colleagues," the city manger said.

While at KDPS, Thomas has served as a public safety officer, crime lab technician, detective bureau sergeant, drug enforcement officer and inspector in the office of professional standards.

Thomas has been involved in hiring more than half of the department's current sworn officers. She also served as interim human resources director for the city administration.

Thomas has received nine commendations from four different public safety chiefs while at KDPS. She received the KDPS Professional Excellence Award in 2006 and in 2015, she was recognized by the Kalamazoo YWCA as a Woman of Achievement.

Thomas graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and from Ferris State University with a master's degree in public administration.

She attended the FBI National Academy in 2014 and is a veteran of the United States Army, where she achieved the rank of Captain. She is married with two adult children.

"It is an honor to serve this community alongside the men and women of KDPS," Thomas said. "We will continue to work tirelessly each day to protect and serve the people of Kalamazoo."

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is the country's largest combined public safety organization.