They did an exhaustive nation-wide search.
But Santa Fe College officials said they found what they were looking for right in their own backyard.

Ed Book -- a 26-year veteran of the Gainesville Police Department -- was sworn in today as Santa Fe's new police chief.

A crowd of nearly 100 friends, family, supporters, and law enforcement officials filled the lobby.

Officials spoke of Book's integrity, work ethic, and professionalism that led to his hiring after a five-month search.

Book acknowledged that there were other candidates. But he promised the people of Santa Fe would not be sorry they chose him.

Book is the third police chief for Santa Fe College, and the first to hold that position full time.