Local State Police Troop Receives New Commander
Major Robert McConnell will take over command of New York State Police Troop G — which includes Saratoga County — after the former commander was promoted ( Courtesy of NYSP).
The New York State Police announced that Superintendent Steven G. James appointed Major Robert J. McConnell Jr. as the 40th Troop Commander of Troop G. Major McConnell previously served as Captain of the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Major McConnell entered the New York State Police Academy on February 14, 2005, and upon graduation, was assigned to Troop F, SP Catskill. In 2010, he was promoted to Sergeant and was again assigned to Troop F, SP Catskill. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served many roles including the Office of Emergency Management, Professional Standards Bureau, the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
In 2021, Major McConnell was promoted to Captain and returned to the New York State Intelligence Center before transferring to serve as the Troop G- Zone 1, Zone Commander.
In this role, he oversaw the daily operations of uniformed personnel, ensuring effective law enforcement and public safety throughout Albany and Rensselaer Counties. In 2024, he transitioned to the role of Captain of the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation. In this role, he led Troop G’s investigative units, managing high-profile investigations, and fostering collaboration among various law enforcement agencies.
Major McConnell grew up in the Averill Park area. He obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College in 2019. He served in the Air National Guard from 2001 – 2007, assigned to the 109th Air Lift Wing Security Forces Squadron. During that time, he was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is married with three children and currently resides in Albany County.
“It is an honor to be promoted to Major and assigned as the Troop Commander for Troop G. I look forward to leading our dedicated team of sworn and civilian personnel,” Major McConell said. “I am committed to working with our law enforcement partners and community leaders, to ensure the communities we serve remain safe places to live, work, and raise a family.”
Troop G has 24 stations, serving the public in 10 counties, including Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington, and Warren.
Major McConnell’s appointment to Troop Commander was effective December 18th, 2025. He replaces Major Christopher T. Gilroy, who was promoted to the rank of Staff Inspector- Field Command.