HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf today nominated New London’s Tyree C. Blocker to be the next commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Blocker, 62, has 30 years of experience with the Pennsylvania State Police, starting as a trooper and rising to the rank of major before retiring in 2005. Long active in local law enforcement, he served as a member of a working group to help Coatesville find a new police chief in 2012.
Wolf said Monday that Major Blocker will serve as 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,” said Wolf in a statement. “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,” continued Wolf. “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.”
Major Blocker will succeed Col. Marcus Brown as commissioner.
Blocker, a familiar name and face to many in local law enforcement circles, served for three decades with the Pennsylvania State Police from 1975 to 2005 starting as a trooper and progressing through the ranks to major. He has experience in patrol, criminal investigation, staff services and administration, and has demonstrated excellent rapport with police executives and government officials throughout the United States.
