Law Enforcement
ISP Lt. Colonel “Sprouts Wings”
March 25, 2013 
Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Powell has sprouted wings as the new “Bird Colonel” for the Idaho State Police.
The promotion by Gov. Butch Otter puts the career trooper/bird colonel at the top of the pecking order for ISP where he has served throughout Idaho including posts in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and eastern Idaho. Most recently he has been at the Meridian headquarters as the #2 for Jerry Russell who retired earlier this year.
We haven’t seen any media play for the new top copper, but wish him well with the men in blue. ISP handles road patrol, brand inspectors, liquor enforcement, crime lab services for any law enforcement agency in the state as well as criminal investigations and more.
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Comments & Discussion
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Mar 25, 2013, 5:19 pm
Ralph is a class act. Hard working with integrity. A product of Idaho.
Mar 25, 2013, 6:00 pm
Ralph will make an excellent Colonel. He was on my team when I was a Sargeant in Boise. Hard worker and understanding when dealing with people.
Mar 27, 2013, 2:11 pm
Understands people…. thats rare in a cop
Mar 27, 2013, 7:19 pm
I have literally known Colonel Powell since he was Cadet Powell. He is a great example of service centered leadership. I’m not only proud to have worked for him but also to call him a friend. He will not only be a good leader for his people and agency but also be of true service to his fellow Idahoans. Couldn’t have happened to a better man.