MERIDIAN — The Idaho State Police held a change of command ceremony on Wednesday morning, officially making Col. Bill Gardiner the new director of ISP. It's been around seven years since the state police had a new director.
Col. Kedrick Wills, the outgoing director, spent 29 years with ISP. During the ceremony, a flag was passed from Wills, to Gov.
Brad Little, to Gardiner, symbolizing the official transfer of leadership. “I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of this organization,” Wills said, choking up. “As the torch is passed, getting a flag and handing it over was a lot harder than I thought it would be.
I suppose it's too late to change my mind.” Wills started his career in January 1996 as a resident trooper in southeastern Idaho and spent several years working in Boise. He was appointed as ISP director in July 2017 by then-Gov.
Butch Otter and reappointed by Little in January 2020. "Colonel Wills, I'm so grateful for your many years of leadership and sound counsel," Little said. "Together, we've taken big steps to fight fentanyl, help secure the border, curb human trafficking, and you've done it all with incredible integrity.
" During his speech, Wills expressed pride and trust in ISP. "The state police is in good hands," Wills said. "We enjoy the reputation we enjoy because of those who've gone before us and those who are coming after us .
.. people here are unmatched.
" Gardiner is coming into his new role after 25 years of service, beginning as a trooper in Idaho Falls. During his years of service, Gardiner held positions in Commercial Vehicle Safety, the Executive Protection Unit and as District 3 Commander. "Throughout my career, I've just wanted to be able to serve where I felt my skill set was best.
What can I do best for the agency?" Gardiner said. "I don't know if anybody really seeks after a job like this. I think they do it out of commitment, out of service.
" Idaho State Police has over 700 employees, with a commitment to serve and protect property, lives and the constitutional rights of Idahoans. According to Little, organizations like ISP are exactly why Idaho is safe and growing. "When I talk to newcomers, often when they come into the state, one of the first things they always say is the reason they came here is because they feel safe, and it's the men and women that this organization represents that lead the effort for safety," Little said.
.
