Anchorage, Alaska — The new head of the Alaska State Troopers says he has big plans for the state.
Col. Keith Mallard took over control of the department after the retirement of Audie Holloway. He is a 14-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers and previously served as captain of the Alaska Bureau of Drug and Alcohol enforcement.
Before working for the troopers, Mallard served as a deputy sheriff in Idaho and as a municipal police officer on St. Paul Island. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and DEA Drug Unit Commander's Academy.
Mallard says he will use his background in drug and alcohol enforcement to improve the lives of Alaskans. He plans to use his new position to tackle the epidemic of substance abuse in rural communities. Mallard said in order to do that, an increased presence of Troopers in western Alaska is necessary.
