HARRISBURG — A 30-year state police veteran was named acting commissioner in July was nominated Tuesday by Gov. Ed Rendell to head the department on a permanent basis.

Rendell sent the nomination of Lt. Col. Frank Pawlowski to the Pennsylvania Senate for its consideration. If confirmed to succeed Col. Jeffrey Miller, he will be promoted to colonel.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware, described Pawlowski on Tuesday as "a well-qualified nominee."

Pawlowski's career with the state police has included patrol and criminal investigation duties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Before being named acting commissioner, he was deputy commissioner of operations.

Miller recently retired and took a security director job with the National Football League. The state police have 81 stations, nine Pennsylvania Turnpike installations and other facilities.