CONCORD, NH – Gov. Maggie Hassan announced Tuesday her intention to nominate Capt. Christopher J. Wagner, of Litchfield, to serve as the next Director of the New Hampshire State Police. The Governor’s nomination of Captain Wagner follows the recommendation of Department of Safety (DOS) Commissioner John Barthelmes.
“For more than two decades, Captain Wagner has worked to enforce our laws and keep us safe with the fairness, professionalism and integrity that are the hallmarks of the New Hampshire State Police,” Hassan said. “Like all of our dedicated law enforcement officers, he puts his life on the line every day to protect his fellow citizens, and his wide range of experience and assignments with the New Hampshire State Police will serve him well as the next director. The New Hampshire State Police is the most professional, well-trained and dedicated state police force in the country, and I thank Captain Wagner for his willingness to take on this important responsibility as we work to maintain New Hampshire’s status as one of the safest states in the nation.”
Currently serving as the Support Services Bureau Commander for the New Hampshire State Police, Wagner is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the support structure and logistical needs of the various units statewide. He previously served as Field Area Commander, as well as the Troop Commander and Assistant Troop Commander for Troop B, and he began his career in law enforcement with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport upon graduating from the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council Police Academy in 1995.
Captain Wagner received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has a Black Belt certification in LEAN Process and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
The nomination is subject to Executive Council approval and will be formally submitted by Governor Hassan at the Sept. 21 Governor and Executive Council meeting in Strafford. Assistant Commissioner Robert L. Quinn will continue to oversee the Division of State Police until a new director is confirmed.
