Veteran law enforcement leader Kyle J. Kroeger promoted to Major and selected to command New York State Police Troop T

New York – The New York State Police have announced a significant leadership change with the promotion of Captain Kyle J. Kroeger to the rank of Major and his appointment as the 28th commander of Troop T, the unit responsible for policing the New York State Thruway. The move places a veteran law enforcement officer and former Marine in charge of one of the state’s most visible and demanding public safety assignments.

Major Kroeger steps into the role with more than 20 years of combined experience in state and local law enforcement, as well as military service. His career has included a wide range of operational and leadership positions, giving him a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with protecting communities and maintaining public safety across New York.

His appointment also marks a return to familiar territory. Before earning his latest promotion, Kroeger served as Captain and Zone Commander of Troop F, Zone 1, where he oversaw State Police operations throughout Sullivan County in New York’s Hudson Valley. Earlier in his career, he also held a leadership position within Troop T, serving as the Administrative Captain beginning in 2021.

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Kroeger’s path through the ranks of the New York State Police began in 2002, when he joined the agency as a trooper assigned to SP Wurtsboro in Troop F. Over the years, he steadily advanced, taking on increasingly complex assignments and leadership responsibilities. In 2007, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Troop K at SP Cortlandt before later returning to Troop F, where he worked as a line sergeant at both SP Middletown and SP Wurtsboro.

His career continued to evolve in 2014 when he was selected to serve as Station Commander at SP Wurtsboro, a position he held for two years. Following that assignment, he earned promotion to Lieutenant and joined the Office of Emergency Management, broadening his experience in statewide planning and coordination. He later returned once again to Troop F, this time as Assistant Zone Commander for Zone 1, adding another important leadership role to his growing résumé.

In 2021, Kroeger reached the rank of Captain and accepted the position of Administrative Captain with Troop T, gaining firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges associated with policing the New York State Thruway. Two years later, in 2023, he returned to Troop F and became Zone 1 Commander at SP Liberty. His latest promotion to Major now brings his career full circle, placing him at the helm of the very troop where he previously helped oversee operations.

As Troop T Commander, Major Kroeger will direct the work of both uniformed personnel and civilian employees stationed across 12 facilities in 21 counties stretching from New York City to Buffalo. The assignment carries enormous responsibility. Troop T oversees daily law enforcement and public safety operations along the entire 570-mile New York State Thruway, one of the busiest transportation corridors in the country, serving and protecting millions of motorists every year.

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Long before joining the New York State Police, Kroeger built a foundation of public service through both military and local law enforcement experience. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed many of the leadership skills that would later define his career. He also worked as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office before becoming a state trooper.

His commitment to professional development has matched his dedication to service. In 2017, Kroeger graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy’s 268th Session in Quantico, Virginia, a program recognized for preparing law enforcement leaders from across the nation and around the world. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, combining practical field experience with advanced education in leadership and management.

State Police officials say Kroeger’s broad background, proven leadership abilities, and decades of service make him exceptionally well suited for the position. Throughout more than two decades in uniform, he has remained focused on the safety and well-being of the people of New York State, while earning experience in patrol operations, emergency management, administration, and command-level decision-making.

Major Kroeger succeeds Major Brian T. Ferrone, who has now taken command of Troop K. As the new leader of Troop T, Kroeger will guide an organization tasked with maintaining safety along one of the nation’s most heavily traveled superhighways, building on a tradition of service that has helped make the New York State Thruway one of the safest roadway systems in the country.