Former Roanoke City officer named Assistant Director of Security at Virginia Tech

William "Mac" Babb III (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - William "Mac" Babb III, formerly with the Roanoke Police Department, has been named deputy chief of police and assistant director of security at Virginia Tech.

Authorities say he will begin his new position on Wednesday, July 1. Babb will assist Chief of Police Kevin Foust in leading the 75-person Virginia Tech Police Department and overseeing its operations and administrative divisions.

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In addition, Babb will assist in developing and implementing a security strategy and coordinating the security services for all Virginia Tech campuses and programs, including those overseas.

"We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Mac's caliber and experience", Foust said in a written statement, released on Monday. "He served in many roles during his career with the Roanoke Police Department and we look forward to his bringing those experiences to this department."

Authorities say in 1990, Babb began his career at the Roanoke Police Department as a police officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999 and lieutenant in 2006. During his career at the department Babb managed the canine unit, helped lead the tactical response team, directed the police academy, and most recently helped supervise the Investigations Bureau.

He has received numerous awards over his career including the Commonwealth Valor Award and the Lifesaving Award from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

Babb received a bachelor's degree from Roanoke College and a master's degree from American Military University.