POLICE PROMOTION
Barker elevated to rank of Assistant Chief
TROY, N.Y. » Friday morning at Troy City Hall, the Troy Police Department held a promotion ceremony to elevate Captain Steven M. Barker to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police.
A 12-year veteran with the Troy Police Department, Barker previously held roles in patrol, investigations, and training. Presently, Assistant Chief Barker commands the Technology and Grants unit, including the recent priorities of administering the deployment of the body-worn camera project and upgrades to the City’s street camera network. His additional assignments have included alternate Patrol commander for the second and third platoons, public information officer, and commander of the Homeland Security team.
Barker spoke to the significance of the day for him, his family, and the department as a whole.
“It’s certainly important and I’m proud of the circumstances, I’m proud of the support my family’s offered. I
think it’s another day for the Troy Police Department,” he said.
“I think we have the opportunity to continue the chain that’s already established.
I’ve been lucky throughout the last several years that our commanders have been seeking out the
opinion of the senior leaders, of Captains, of Seargent’s, and as long as we continue to do that we’ll continue to be on that course for success,” Barker noted on the open communication up and down the chain of command.
Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf lauded praise on Barker’s body of work and commitment to the department.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Steve for much of his career here at the TPD. I’ve always been impressed by the work he does, whatever the task may be,” DeWolf remarked.
“From his time as a patrolman, Steve has always been a leader, always leading by example with his work ethic, community connections, professional-looking appearance, and calming demeanor. Steve has always shown the commitment to making our police department a better place,” DeWolf added on Barker’s leadership abilities.
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden additionally detailed the importance of that leadership in a department that has seen some changes at the top in the past three years.
“Today is an important event, not just for Captain Barker but for the entire Troy Police Department. The role of today’s chief has never been more significant nor more consequential,” Madden said.
“Over the past three years, we have effected significant changes within the leadership of the department and we have all seen the results. I’m confident that the promotion of Captain Barker will build upon this to continue this effort will build upon our reputation as a stellar police department,” Madden noted on his confidence in Barker.
In his role as Assistant Chief, Barker will continue to maintain a presence shaping and leading the aforementioned patrol, technology, and grants division.
Barker added there will be an inward focus on the men and women in the department and their health and wellness so they are best able to carry out their mission of making the city of Troy a safe and welcoming community.