By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – A 29-year-old West Point graduate and former mortgage banker says he was surprised when Gov. Pat Quinn asked him to take over as Illinois State Police director.
U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Monken was named to the post over the weekend. He replaces Larry Trent who resigned abruptly Friday.
Monken said he hopes to quickly win over older officers with more experience.
He said he's a good listener and a quick study.
Monken served as a platoon leader in Kosovo and Iraq. He also worked for a Chicago bank for about a year before becoming a recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard.