Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has named a new director for its Office of Homeland Security.

Officials announced Thursday that Highway Patrol Maj. Rusty Barnes has moved into the new job.

He succeeds Jay Ledbetter, who retired about a month ago after more than 30 years of state service.

The 48-year-old Barnes has been with the Highway Patrol for more than 25 years. He's a Corinth native and now lives in Rankin County.

Barnes' most recent assignments have been as central region commander of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the statewide coordinator of emergency operations coordinator.