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Chester County Press

New London resident nominated to be State Police commissioner

08/03/2015 02:50PM ● By J. Chambless

A New London resident was nominated on Aug. 3 to be the next commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Gov. Tom Wolf nominated Tyree C. Blocker, 62, who has 30 years of experience with the Pennsylvania State Police before retiring in 2005. He was a member of a group that helped Coatesville pick a police chief in 2012.

In a statement, Wolf said Blocker will be acting commissioner pending confirmation by the Senate.

“Major Blocker’s diverse experience with the Pennsylvania State Police, starting as a trooper and working his way up to major, gave him the opportunity to work in operations across the agency,” the statement reads. “Major Blocker has deep knowledge in the areas of patrol and criminal investigation as well as staff services and administration. He also brings tremendous leadership capabilities and a history of working collaboratively with law enforcement officials at all levels. Major Blocker has an extensive background in drug law enforcement, which will be an asset in helping the State Police stop high-level drug trafficking organizations that prey on our communities and citizens and seek to perpetuate the heroin crisis in Pennsylvania. His strong career experience will allow him to step into the role of commissioner and lead the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police.”

“The Pennsylvania State Police is the commonwealth’s top law enforcement agency, and the most distinguished in the country,” the statement continued. “Major Blocker will build on the strong foundation of the traditions and culture of the Pennsylvania State Police while also looking for opportunities to ensure that the force reflects the diversity of Pennsylvania.”

Blocker will succeed Col. Marcus Brown as commissioner.

The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association issued a statement from PSTA president Joseph Kovel saying, “We congratulate Major Blocker. We look forward to working with Major Blocker on the critical issues facing our department and the 12 million citizens we serve.”