AUGUSTA (AP) — The new head of the Maine Marine Patrol is now on the job.

State officials say 30-year department veteran Jon Cornish was officially promoted to colonel of the marine patrol on Jan. 9. He succeeds Joseph Fessenden, a 40-year member of the patrol who spent his final 20 years as colonel before retiring.

The Maine Marine Patrol provides law enforcement, search and rescue and maritime security on the state’s coastal and tidal waters. Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher says Cornish brings practical experience to his new post as a veteran department member.

Cornish began his career with the department in 1985 as an officer.