The appointment of Mafnas, one of the governor’s most loyal supporters, still requires Senate confirmation.
Inos said he has not communicated with Mafnas yet but he is certain that transition to a new management will be handled by the former Corrections chief.
Inos said Tudela and Mafnas are aware of the administration’s plan to change the management of DPS.
“I think this has been something that was anticipated both by Tudela and this administration,” he said.
According to Inos, the administration is considering the recommendations of Management Analysis Inc., the Virginia-based company contracted by the Fitial administration to conduct an organizational review of DPS and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
“So there’s going to be a lot of changes as a result of that,” Inos said.
He said Mafnas “did well” at Corrections and is likely to do a good job at DPS.,
But this is not to say that Tudela did not do a good job, Inos said.
Tudela, he added, did a great job since he again became the DPS commissioner in Aug. 2008 on a pro-bono basis.
“I guess he just wanted to go back to retirement,” the lt. governor said.
Thank you
Mafnas thanked Fitial and Inos “for the tremendous trust and confidence placed upon me.”
In a press statement yesterday, Mafnas said it is his “sincerest intention to build at DPS, the same professionalism” he “instilled among officers and staff of Corrections.”
He added, “I accept the appointment and challenges ahead as DPS commissioner for the people of the commonwealth. I accept the appointment on behalf of the police officers, firefighters, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and all civilian personnel at DPS.”
Mafnas also thanked Tudela for supporting his appointment.
He noted that Tudela whom he has “known for many years, and is a friend and colleague, has built a wealth of knowledge as a career police officer for more than 20 years.”
He said will not hesitate to ask Tudela for his advice and assistance. He also wished him the best in the years to come.
Mafnas said DPS will exercise compassion, impartiality and justice in all its officers’ actions and will promote the same management values and mindset among all commanders, officers and staff.
“I ask all officers, firefighters and staff to take pride in their profession and assist in the building of teamwork and organizational cohesiveness. No one will be left behind, or left idle; all will participate in bringing about positive changes and in building an organization deserving of the dedicated men and women in the department and the people of the commonwealth,” Mafnas said.
