The New York State Police announced Wednesday, Dec. 24 that Maj. Robert J. McConnell Jr. has been appointed as the new commander of Troop G.
His appointment was effective Dec. 18, according to a news release. He replaces Maj. Christopher T. Gilroy, who was promoted to the rank of staff inspector, field command.
McConnell previously served as captain of the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Troop G has 24 stations in 10 counties, including Schoharie.
McConnell entered the New York State Police Academy on February 14, 2005, and upon graduation was assigned to Troop F in Catskill. In 2010, he was promoted to sergeant and was again assigned to Troop F, the release stated. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and served many roles in the Office of Emergency Management, Professional Standards Bureau, the New York State Intelligence Center and the Special Investigations Unit.
In 2021, 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, the release stated.
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 to 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 resides in Albany County.
“It is an honor to be promoted to major and assigned as the troop commander for Troop G,” McConnell said in a statement. “I look forward to leading our dedicated team of sworn and civilian personnel. 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.”