The U.S. Capitol Police announced Friday that Inspector Daniel Nichols, a 23-year veteran of the force, will become the new assistant chief of police.

In his career with the Capitol Police, Nichols has served in many functions, including as its first dedicated public information officer. In that role, he represented the force during the 1998 shooting at the Capitol, following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and in the wake of the anthrax attack in the same year.

"Inspector Nichols is recognized as an accomplished leader who builds effective teams, has strong communications skills, and uses innovative approaches to improve the protection of the Capitol, the congressional community, and visitors," Police Chief Phillip Morse said in a release.

Most recently, Nichols managed the Capitol Division of the force, where he oversaw more than 450 police personnel.