LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol intends to resign Dec. 31.

The announcement of Col. David Sankey’s intention was made in a news release sent Tuesday night by the office of Gov. Dave Heineman. The governor named Sankey to the post in March 2011.

The 50-year-old Sankey was commissioned as a Nebraska State Patrol officer on Dec. 11, 1987.

Heineman’s office says Lt. Col. Tom Schwarten, assistant superintendent of the patrol, is expected to take command of the patrol until a successor for Sankey takes over.