Change of command as Troopers get new director

After 30 years of service to the State of Alaska, Col. Barry Wilson has hung up his Stetson. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price announced Col. Bryan W. Barlow as the incoming director for the Alaska State Troopers. 

During his distinguished career, there was little Col. Wilson hadn’t touched in the Division of Alaska State Troopers. He served Alaskans in many assignments to include working patrol, conducting investigations, coordinating search-and-rescues, and mentoring other troopers throughout the department. As director for the past year, Col. Wilson was instrumental in improving morale, expanding training and staunchly advocating for the Division as a whole, according to the press release from the Department of Public Safety.

Col. Barlow is a lifelong Alaskan who began his career with the Alaska State Troopers in March 1999. He patrolled in Fairbanks, Ninilchik, Ketchikan, and Girdwood as well as Interior villages. Over the years, Col. Barlow supervised various units within AST, including the Criminal Intelligence Unit, DPS Recruitment, Office of Professional Standards, and the DPS Aircraft Section. He also held the duties of Department Pilot, Special Emergency Reaction Team member, Firearms Instructor, Crisis Negotiator, and Ethics Instructor. In October 2017, Col. Barlow joined the AST Director’s Office as a Major, the department wrote.

“I want to thank Colonel Wilson for his dedicated service to all Alaskans,” said Commissioner Price. “It was an honor to have Col. Wilson on my team. I also want to thank Col. Barlow for accepting to take the helm of the Alaska State Troopers and all the responsibilities that come with the job.”