West named commander of Troop G
LATHAM, N.Y. » Captain R. Christopher West has been appointed as the 36th Troop Commander of Troop G.
Currently serving as Acting Major, West entered the New York State Police Academy on Oct. 1, 1990, after which he served as a uniformed trooper in Troops G and K.
In 1996, while stationed as a trooper at State Police barracks in Loudonville, West joined the Special Operation Response Team, then known as the Mobile Response Team.
After being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2001, West worked in Troop L, and as a non-commissioned officer at the New York State Police Academy.
In 2009, 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- State Police barracks in Schodack and Zone 3-State Police barracks in Fonda.
In July of 2017, 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- State Police Capital barrack.
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.
Hewas 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.
“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,” West said in a news release. “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.
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.