Topeka ? A 25-year veteran of the Kansas Highway Patrol has been appointed interim superintendent of the organization.

Gov. Sam Brownback on Tuesday appointed Maj. Mark Bruce as interim superintendent to replace outgoing superintendent Col. Ernest Garcia, whose retirement was effective Monday.

Bruce has served in several capacities for the patrol, in field and administrative positions. In recent years, he has been the patrol’s west region major over Garden City, Salina, Hays and Wichita.

A search for a permanent superintendent continues.