Gov. Little appoints new ISP director

A new Idaho State Police director will be sworn in next week.

Bill Gardiner, a 25-year ISP veteran, will replace Kedrick Wills as the department’s director and colonel, the governor’s office announced Thursday in a press release. Gov. Brad Little appointed Gardiner to replace Wills, who is retiring Aug. 16.

Gardiner will be sworn in on Wednesday at ISP’s Meridian headquarters.

“Bill Gardiner will lead Idaho State Police with integrity, just like his predecessor, Ked Wills,” Little said in the release. “Bill is a native Idahoan who brings a tremendous about of experience and leadership to the position. I look forward to working closely with Bill and the ISP team to keep fentanyl off our streets, curb human trafficking, support border security efforts, and keep Idaho one of the safest states in the country.”

Gardiner is a Burley native who has served in various roles for ISP, including trooper, district commander, executive protection in the Office of the Governor, and most recently, lieutenant colonel and deputy director and chief of staff. He graduated from the FBI National Academy and currently serves on the FBI National Academy Associates National Board, the release said.

“I am honored to step into the role of Director of the Idaho State Police, an agency with a proud tradition of excellence and service to the community,” Gardiner said in the release. “I look forward to continuing our mission of protecting and serving the people of Idaho with integrity and professionalism, focusing on Governor Little’s Esto Perpetua initiative. ... I extend my heartfelt thanks to Colonel Wills for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service. His contributions have significantly shaped ISP into the respected organization it is today, and I am committed to continuing his legacy of service.”

Wills, who has been ISP’s colonel since 2017, has been with the agency for nearly three decades. He was appointed to direct the department by former Gov. Butch Otter in 2017 and reappointed by Little in 2020.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Idaho and work alongside the brave men and women of the Idaho State Police,” Wills said in the release. “I have witnessed this agency’s remarkable progress and evolution throughout my career. Together, we have upheld the highest law enforcement standards, ensuring the safety and security of our communities. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that the ISP will continue to thrive and serve with excellence.

The changing of the guard ceremony begins at 10 a.m. It is not open to the public, but will be streamed on the IdahoPOST ProductionStudio YouTube page .