State Police name new Troop G Commander

LATHAM, N.Y. | Captain R. Christopher West has been named as the 36th Troop Commander of Troop G. Captain West entered the New York State Police Academy on October 1, 1990, after which he served as a uniformed trooper in Troops G and K. In 1996, while stationed as a trooper at SP Loudonville, Captain West joined the Special Operation Response Team, then known as the Mobile Response Team. After being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2001, Captain West worked in Troop L, and as a non-commissioned officer at the New York State Police Academy. In 2009, Captain West was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, serving with the Special Operations Response Team until 2016. In 2016 he was assigned to Troop G as a uniformed lieutenant and stationed in Zone 1- SP Schodack and Zone 3-SP Fonda. In July of 2017, Captain West was promoted to his current rank and assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau, where he served until being appointed Zone Commander of Troop G, Zone 4- SP Capital. Captain West was born and raised in the city of Albany, and currently resides in the town of Colonie with his wife and two children. He is a 1989 graduate of Wagner College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and excelled as a student athlete. He was a member of the school's 1987 National Championship football team and in 2015, he was inducted into Wagner College's Hall of Fame in honor of his contributions to the sport. The new Troop Commander commented, "I want to thank the Superintendent for this opportunity, and for the confidence that he has shown in choosing me for one of the most prestigious and honorable positions in the New York State Police. I am truly humbled. I plan on working with my staff to continue our strong tradition of service and adherence to the core values that have been instilled in us as Troopers. I intend to focus on our mission priorities, while ensuring the safety of my personnel and members of the public. I was born and raised in Albany and have lived in Troop G most of my life. I look forward to fostering a closer relationship with the communities we serve, and am honored for the opportunity to help make a difference within them." Troop G has 24 stations, serving the public in 10 counties, including Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington and Warren. Captain West's appointment to Troop Commander was effective May 28, 2020. He replaces Major Robert E. Patnaude, who was appointed Acting Staff Inspector and assigned to Field Command – Bureau of Criminal Investigation. FC-BCI oversees significant criminal investigations statewide.

Signup for our newsletter

State Police name new Troop G Commander

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS