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Command Staff Bios
DirectorColonel Kedrick WillsColonel Kedrick Wills joined the Idaho State Police in 1996. Upon completion of the ISP Academy’s Advanced Training Class #15, he served as an east end resident trooper in District 4 out of Jerome, Idaho. In 2002, he was promoted to patrol sergeant and served in District 2 for two years in Lewiston. In 2004, he was promoted to headquarters lieutenant and served in the Executive Protection Unit while overseeing background investigations for the department. In 2006, he was promoted to captain and served as the district commander in District 4. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of major and served as the Police Services Commander at ISP Headquarters in Meridian. In 2013 he became ISP’s deputy director and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 2017, Governor Otter appointed him as the ISP Director. He was promoted to Colonel and accepted command of the organization on July 2, 2017. He is a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program and the 232nd Session of the FBI National Academy. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Training and Development degrees from Idaho State University (Go Bengals!). "It’s my great honor to be able to serve with the fine men and women who make up our organization," he said. |
Deputy Director – Chief of OperationsLt. Colonel Sheldon KelleyLt. Colonel Sheldon Kelley began his career with the Idaho State Police in 1997 as a resident Trooper assigned to the Gooding County area after attending ISP and POST training academies. He promoted to Investigations in District 3 (Boise) in 2002 as a member of a narcotics investigation team. He promoted to District 3 Patrol Lieutenant in 2010, and to Headquarters Captain in 2012. He served as the West Area Command Major from 2016 until his promotion to Deputy Director in 2017. Lt. Colonel Kelley holds a Bachelor's Degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a POST Management Certificate. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI Command College, and the FBI National Academy. |
Deputy Director – Chief of StaffLt. Colonel Bill GardinerLt. Colonel Bill Gardiner is a native Idahoan who has been with the Idaho State Police for 25 years. He began his career as a Trooper in the Patrol Division working in the Idaho Falls area. In 2001, he transferred to Boise where he moved into the commercial vehicle and hazardous materials division. In this capacity, Lt. Colonel Gardiner served as an advisor to multiple truck driving schools, serving as a member of many curriculum advisory committees. He worked closely with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help institute the federally mandated safety audit program. In 2004, Lt. Colonel Gardiner transferred to the executive protection unit where he managed all security operations for three of Idaho’s Governors, the Idaho Legislature, and members of the Idaho Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. In 2013, Lt. Colonel Gardiner served as the District 3 District Commander and oversaw all law enforcement operations for both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. In 2017, Lt. Colonel Gardiner served as ISP Area Commander and managed all law enforcement operations in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, and Twin Falls. Additionally, he oversaw the Idaho State Police Training Section and Advanced Academy, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Section, the Executive Protection Section, and the Idaho State Police SWAT team. Currently, Lt. Colonel Gardiner serves as a Deputy Director for ISP and is assigned as Chief of Staff to the Director. He is a certified ethics instructor and death notification instructor and teaches at the College of Western Idaho Law Enforcement Program, the Idaho POST Academy and the Idaho State Police Advanced Training Academy. Lt. Colonel Gardiner received his Bachelor’s Degree from Idaho State University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. |
Northern Command MajorMajor Matt SmithMajor Matt Smith graduated from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in history/secondary education in 1996 and he began his career with the Idaho State Police in 1997. After graduating from ATC 18, his first duty assignment was in District 2 Patrol as a resident trooper assigned to Latah County. In 1999, Major Smith transferred to District 3 Patrol, where he first served as an Elmore County resident trooper and then as a district trooper working out of the old Boise office and later the Meridian office. In 2007, Major Smith was selected as a member of the ISP Motorcycle Unit, where he worked until 2011, when he was promoted to Sergeant in District 3 Patrol. In late 2012, Major Smith moved to the supervisor of the ISP Motorcycle Unit. In 2017, Major Smith was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, assigned to District Three Patrol. Throughout the course of his career, Major Smith has served as a Crash Reconstructionist, a Field Training Officer, and as a member of the Project CHOICE Committee. |
Western Command MajorMajor Russ WheatleyMajor Russ Wheatley has been an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1993. He began his law enforcement career with the Bannock County Sheriff's Office. Major Wheatley joined the Idaho State Police in 1999 and has served as a trooper, detective, field training officer, firearms instructor, and SWAT team member. Upon completion of the ISP Advanced Training Class #21, he was assigned to be a Blackfoot resident trooper in District Five. In 2001, he was promoted to detective in District Five where he worked primarily on narcotics investigations. In 2004, he transferred to District Three (Meridian) as a narcotics detective. In 2005, he was selected to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force where he worked on domestic and international terrorism cases. In 2008, he was promoted to Sergeant where he supervised the development and day-to-day operations of Idaho's Fusion Center. In 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant in the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) unit, and in 2015, he was promoted to Captain in ABC. In 2017, Major Wheatley transferred to ISP Headquarters where he served as the Investigations Captain managing the Office of Professional Standards, Idaho’s Fusion Center, Canine Program, and the Investigations budgets. In 2021, he was promoted to Major and was assigned command of ISP’s Western Area where he oversees District Three Patrol and Investigations, the Capitol Protective Service unit, the ISP Training Section and Advanced Academy, the investigation budgets, the statewide communication centers, and the SWAT team. He has been awarded his basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisor, and management certificates from Idaho Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). Major Wheatley is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (NA Class #275), the Northwestern University School of Police and Staff and Command (SPSC class #362), the Naval Postgraduate Fusion Center Leaders Course, and the FBI Command College. He has earned 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. |
Eastern Command MajorMajor Steven DavisMajor Davis started his Law Enforcement Career in December 1993 with Bonneville County Sherriff’s Office where he completed assignments as a Patrol Deputy, Detective with the Narcotics Task Force, and SWAT Team Member. In July 1997, he began his employment as a Special Agent with the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) / Idaho State Police District Three Investigations office. In July of 1998, he had the opportunity to transfer to the District Six office in Idaho Falls to be closer to family. In December 2002 he was promoted to District Six Investigations Sergeant. In September 2004 he was promoted to the Investigations Lieutenant for both Districts 5 and 6. He supervised both districts for approximately one year. During his time in Investigations, Major Davis received recognition from the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA), and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). In 2014 was promoted to District 6 District Commander and oversaw all law enforcement operations for both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. Major Davis has also served as coordinator of the Idaho Domestic Highway Enforcement Program and Chairman of the Idaho State Police Compensation Plan. Major Davis is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (NA Class #270), the FBI Command College, and the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy (class #57). Major Davis received his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State University, where he was also a member of the football team. |
HQ CaptainCaptain Sam KetchumCaptain Ketchum joined the Idaho State Police, with ATC class 21, in 1999. He started his career in District 2, Lewiston, as a district car. He moved to District 3 with his family in 2002 and was assigned as a district car. He has been fortunate to have a variety of jobs with ISP. He has served as an ATC instructor, Patrol Sergeant, State Impaired Driving Coordinator, ABC Sergeant, and a Lieutenant in ABC and Patrol. He continues to teach SFST, DRE, Firearms, and EVOC for ATC, POST, and as an Adjunct instructor for CWI. Sam holds a POST Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisor, and Management Certificate. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC class #429). |
HQ CaptainCaptain Tyler JusselCaptain Tyler Jussel started his career with the Idaho State Police's Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) at 17. He conducted compliance checks and shoulder taps at establishments throughout the state before transitioning to Patrol Trooper in 2007 and completing ATC #34. He was initially assigned to Teton County as the District 6 resident trooper before transferring to District 3 as a patrol trooper. In 2012, Captain Jussel was promoted to ABC Detective and again in 2016 to District 3 Patrol Sergeant. While fulfilling patrol duties, he distinguished himself as the DHE/DUI Team Sergeant. In 2019, Captain Jussel assumed the role of ABC Detective Sergeant, maintaining this responsibility until his promotion to District 3 Patrol Lieutenant in 2022. Throughout his career, Captain Jussel has been a Field Training Officer (FTO), statewide FTO coordinator, statewide SMD coordinator, and a POST-certified instructor. Captain Jussel's academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boise State University and a master's in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. |
District 1 CaptainCaptain Paul BergerCaptain Paul Berger began his law enforcement journey in July 1990, serving as a patrol deputy with the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office. In 1994, he joined the Idaho State Police (ATC #14) and became a district trooper in Idaho Falls. After a brief period, Paul transferred to Coeur d'Alene to become the Shoshone County resident trooper before returning to Idaho Falls as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigative Bureau. In 1999, Paul joined District 1 Investigations, where he promoted to Sergeant and later to Lieutenant in 2018. During his tenure, Paul led hundreds of narcotic investigations, with his expertise extended to handling cases involving homicides, officer-involved incidents, and critical situations. He is a certified expert witness in federal and state narcotics cases, a testament to his comprehensive knowledge and experience. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Paul earned his bachelor's degree in business management in 2017. Furthering his academic pursuits, he obtained a master's degree in 2022 in intelligence studies, focusing on criminal intelligence. Paul's career exemplifies commitment to excellence, pursuit of knowledge, and a profound impact on law enforcement at both the state and federal levels. His heroic actions in the face of danger were recognized with the prestigious Silver Star, underscoring exceptional dedication to his profession. |
District 2 CaptainCaptain Richard AdamsonCaptain Adamson feels very at home in Central Idaho. He was born and raised in Idaho and graduated from Highland High School in Craigmont. He joined the United States Air Force in 1991 where he worked as a Law Enforcement Specialist serving two years in Turkey followed by nearly two years in New Mexico. After his military career, with a desire to continue in public safety service, Adamson moved to Twin Falls and completed the law enforcement program at the College of Southern Idaho. He was soon hired as a jail deputy with the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office and at the same time, served as a Reserve Police Officer for the Twin Falls Police Department. Wishing to move his family back to Central Idaho, Adamson accepted a position with the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office in 1998 and spent three years as a Patrol Deputy. In 2001, Captain Adamson started his career with the Idaho State Police District 2. He was soon promoted to Detective and investigated many major cases with a significant impact on public safety, including narcotics trafficking to homicides. In 2012, Captain Adamson went back to patrol serving as a Patrol Sergeant and Patrol Lieutenant. Captain Adamson is a recent graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command session #474. |
District 3 CaptainCaptain Michael WinansCaptain Winans embarked on his law enforcement journey in 1997, dedicating himself to serving with the Blackfoot Police Department. Throughout his tenure there, he contributed significantly as a member of the bike patrol team and the joint city/county special response unit. His expertise extended to mentoring as a field training officer and aiding in Spanish language instruction for department personnel. In 2001, Captain Winans transitioned to the Idaho State Police, where he made impactful strides in District 5. Here, he assumed roles as a field training officer, drug recognition expert, and leader of executive protection detail. Captain Winans is a proud graduate of Idaho State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish. Additionally, he completed Session 283 of the FBI National Academy, further enhancing his law enforcement leadership and tactics skills and knowledge. |
District 4 CaptainCaptain David NethCaptain David Neth started his career in 1996 as a Patrol Deputy with the Gem County Sheriff’s Office. In 2000, Captain Neth joined the ranks of ISP and began serving as a metro car in District 3. He later served as a Resident Trooper for Gem and Boise Counties. From 2004 to 2007 and 2008 to 2011, Captain Neth served on the Governor’s Executive Protection team. In 2011, Captain Neth promoted to District 3 Investigations. In 2013, Captain Neth promoted to Detective Sergeant and supervised the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center (IC2) and the ISP Cyber Crime Unit. Captain Neth promoted to Lieutenant in 2016, overseeing the investigations operations in District 1, and served as the chair of the North Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce. Captain Neth holds an Idaho POST Management Certificate and is a POST certified instructor. Captain Neth is a graduate of the Boise State University Supervisory Course, the Naval Post Graduate School -Fusion Center Leaders Course, and the Northwestern University-School of Police Staff and Command, class #429. |
District 5 CaptainCaptain Fritz ZweigartCaptain Fritz Zweigart started his career with the Idaho State Police in March 2004. He has served in Districts 3, 5, and 6, where he has served in various roles, including Patrol Lieutenant, Patrol Sergeant, Honor Guard, FTO, DRE, SFST Instructor, Level III Inspector, Executive Protection Detail, and Detective. Captain Zweigart is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (NA Class #279). Captain Zweigart received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Virginia University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. |
District 6 CaptainCaptain Chris WeadickCaptain Chris Weadick started with ISP in 1993 and after graduating from ATC 13, was assigned to District 2. In 2001 he transferred to Detectives in District 3. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and later promoted to Lieutenant in 2006 and assigned to District 6. Before being hired by ISP, Captain Weadick worked for the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. In 1990 he received a Bachelor's degree from Boise State University in Criminal Justice. |
Captain Commercial Vehicle SafetyCaptain Shawn StaleyCaptain Staley began his career with ISP in 2004 as a Trooper in District 3. He worked in Executive Protection from 2006-2009. In 2009, he became a CVS Specialist in 2009. As a member of the Hazardous Materials Team, he became an instructor of Hazardous Materials Operations and ICS. He currently teaches hazardous materials courses for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). He is an active voting member on both the Training and Passenger Carrier committees for District IV of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. He promoted to CVS Sergeant in 2016 and Lieutenant in 2018. Captain Staley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics from the University of Utah, and in March 2020, he completed the School of Police Staff and Command class 441. |
Captain Alcohol Beverage ControlCaptain Rocky GriptonCaptain Gripton has been an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1994, graduating POST class #105. He began his law enforcement career working as a patrol officer for the city of New Plymouth where he learned the skills it took to be a small-town police officer and the importance of community relations. Captain Gripton joined the Payette County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 where he worked for one year as a patrol deputy before joining the Idaho State Police in 1997, graduating from ATC #16. Captain Gripton was assigned to the Gem County residency for 15 years and served as a crash reconstructionist, DRE, FTO, mobile command operator, child safety seat expert, executive protection, recruiter, mentor, and background investigator. Captain Gripton was promoted to Detective in Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) in 2011, ABC Sergeant in 2013, and ABC Lieutenant in 2019. Captain Gripton holds a POST Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Master, Supervisor, and Management certificate. |
Regional Communication CentersCaptain Jens PattisCaptain Pattis began his career with the Idaho State Police in 2004. After graduating from ATC 29, he was assigned to District Three Patrol where he served as a district car. In 2007, Captain Pattis was selected as a member of the Executive Protection Unit where he served as the Capitol Trooper. In 2010, he was selected as a member of the ISP Motorcycle Unit, where he worked until late 2012, when he was promoted to Sergeant in District 3 Patrol. In 2017, he moved to the supervisor of the ISP Motorcycle Unit. In June 2021, he was promoted to Patrol Lieutenant in District Three Patrol. In October, Captain Pattis was temporarily assigned to the Idaho State Police Regional Communications Center, where he currently serves. Throughout the course of his career, he has served as a Mentor, Recruiter, Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Ethics and Police Motor Instructor, Statewide Electronic Ticket Administrator and member of the peer support team. |
