Gov. John Engler accepted the resignation of Michigan State Police director Col. Michael Robinson on Tuesday.

Robinson, a Grand Rapids native, joined the State Police in 1968 and has been the department’s director for 11 years.

Robinson is the thirteenth director for th state police.

“It will be a great loss to the community and to the State Police,” East Lansing police Capt. Juli Liebler said.

“He’s implemented a number of changes that have benefited the community as a whole.”

His resignation is effective March 1.

“It is with mixed emotions that I make this decision,” Robinson said in a written statement Tuesday.

“However, the challenge of homeland security, and the contributions that I can make nationally with the newly formed administration, convinced me that the time is right.”

Robinson will join the new Transportation Security Administration in Washington, D.C., where he will serve on a team to design the administration.

“It is with regret that I accept the resignation of Col. Mike Robinson,” Engler said in a written statement.

“I wish him well in his new role at the TSA, where I know he will excel.”

The Transportation Security Administration focuses on nationwide transportation security, and in February it will begin to review aviation security.

The administration’s responsibilities will include setting standards for airport security personnel and developing threat plans for airport security.

Matt Resch, spokesman for Engler, said the governor is unsure where Robinson’s replacement will come from, but the search will begin soon.

“We always have had a great relationship with the State Police,” Liebler said.

“They’ve helped on numerous occasions and I hope that will continue as they seek to hire a new director.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.