INDIANAPOLIS - Rick Hite will be named IMPD police chief Thursday, the mayor's office confirmed.

Hite has been serving as the interim chief for almost eight months.

Former public safety director Frank Straub named Hite interim chief after Paul Ciesielski resigned amid controversy involving the improper storage of Officer David Bisard's blood vial.

Hite is still working through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy to gain his certification to become a full-fledged police officer in the state of Indiana.

In an interview with RTV6 on Thursday morning, Mayor Greg Ballard said Hite is tireless and is a consensus builder.

"He's a stand-up guy. My conversations with him have been very direct and very frank," Mayor Greg Ballard told RTV6 Thursday morning. "He's told me what he thought, and I like that approach."

Watch RTV6 and refresh this page for updates.