AUGUSTA – Patrick Fleming, who has served more than 20 years with the Maine State Police and now holds the rank of lieutenant, was nominated by Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday to lead the agency.

Fleming, of Fairfield, faces review by the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and a Senate confirmation vote.

In announcing the nomination, Baldacci said Fleming “has the highest level of personal and professional integrity and has always conducted himself with fairness and compassion, which are core principles of the state police.”

He now heads special investigations, which includes liquor licensing, gaming and weapons, gambling control and the executive protection unit. From 2000 to 2004, Fleming was the sergeant in charge of executive protection, which provides security for the governor and other top officials.

Fleming joined the state police in 1984 and was a trooper in North Anson, Farmington and Fairfield. If confirmed, he will succeed Craig Poulin, who left after nearly three years on the job to work for police unions.