State Police unveils the 33rd Troop Commander for Troop D

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James has appointed Major Robert J. Simpson, 54, of Adams, NY as the 33rd Troop Commander of Troop D.

Major Simpson began his career with the State Police on April 11, 1994, when he entered the New York State Police Academy.

In 2003, he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to SP Watertown. In 2005 he was promoted to Station Commander and over the next eight years was assigned to supervise several stations including SP Hastings, SP Pulaski, and then SP Watertown.

Major Simpson was promoted to Lieutenant in October 2017 and was assigned to SP Watertown as the Assistant Zone Commander. On May 27, 2021, Major Simpson was appointed to the rank of Captain and assigned to SP Watertown as the Zone 3 Commander.

Major Simpson is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and grew up in the town of Adams and is a 1989 graduate of Jefferson Community College.

Major Simpson’s appointment as the Troop D Commander was effective March 14, 2024. He replaces Major Vincent T. Lightcap, who was promoted to Staff Inspector and was assigned to Division Headquarters – Field Command.

Major Simpson’s command covers seven counties in Central New York, including Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego. Operating from 27 facilities, the men and women of Troop D provide service to 167 towns, 89 villages, and five cities.

Major Robert J. Simpson image.