Idaho State Police Promotes Major Russ Wheatley to Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff

MERIDIAN, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) announces the promotion of Major Russ Wheatley to Lieutenant Colonel, where he will serve as a Deputy Director and Chief of Staff. With more than 30 years of experience, Wheatley has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community well-being, exceptional guidance, and steadfast dedication to the people of Idaho.

Wheatley began his distinguished career in 1993 with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office before joining ISP in 1999. After completing ISP Advanced Training Class #21 in 1999, Wheatley was assigned as a resident trooper in Blackfoot, District 5. In 2001, he was promoted to detective, where his expertise in narcotics investigations became evident. He then transferred to District 3 to continue working as a narcotics detective.

In 2005, Wheatley was selected to join the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he worked on domestic and international terrorism cases. His dedication to enhancing public safety propelled him through the ranks, leading to his promotion to sergeant in 2008 and to captain in 2015 where he was the Bureau Chief for Alcohol Beverage Control. At ISP Headquarters, he served as investigations captain, managing the Office of Professional Standards, Idaho’s Fusion Center, the Canine Program, and the investigations budgets.

Most recently, in 2021, Wheatley was promoted to the ISP’s Western Command Area major. In this capacity, he oversaw operations across Districts 3, the Capitol Protective Service unit, the Training Section and Advanced Academy, investigation budgets, statewide communication centers, and the SWAT team. Additionally, Wheatley was selected as an executive board member of the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), underscoring his expertise and leadership in combating drug trafficking.

“Russ exemplifies the dedication, expertise, and leadership that are the hallmarks of the Idaho State Police,” said Col. Bill Gardiner, Director of the Idaho State Police. “In his new role, his contributions will be vital in advancing our mission to protect and serve the people of Idaho. I look forward to working closely with him as we advance the agency.”

Wheatley also expressed, “I’m excited to take this position within the Idaho State Police. We have an incredible team, and together, we will continue pushing forward with a strong vision for the agency. I’m committed to leading with integrity and ensuring we remain at the forefront of public safety in Idaho.”

Wheatley graduated from the FBI National Academy (Class #275), the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (Class #362), the Naval Postgraduate Fusion Center Leaders Course, and the FBI Command College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Join ISP in welcoming our new Lieutenant Colonel Wheatley in a pinning ceremony on Thursday, September 19th at 2pm by watching live via the livestream link here:

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho