Monken Confirmed by Ill. Lawmakers to Head Emergency Management Agency

After months of controversy, the former Illinois State Police Interim Director officially has a new job. State senators on Tuesday confirmed Governor Pat Quinn's appointment of Jonathon Monken as director of the Emergency Management Agency.

Monken had served nearly two years as head of the State Police, a position Quinn selected him for despite Monken not having any background in law enforcement. He was never confirmed for that job. Monken said he tried to ignore the controversy.

"Really, what it comes down to is I tried to remove myself from that situation as much as possible and focus my attention on doing what my job was and focusing my attention on doing as well as I could for the state Police and for the state and for the governor," Monken said.

Senators overwhelmingly approved Monken for his new position. Only one voted against him. Monken touts his military experience in Iraq and Kosovo as his qualifications for the post. He says his time at the state police will serve him well in the new job.