PIERRE, S.D. (KELO AM) – Capt. Alan Welsh officially assumed command of the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s Sioux Falls District today (Thursday). He replaces Capt. Kevin Joffer, who retired on Wednesday.
Welsh, 46, had been assistant district commander for the Highway Patrol’s 2nd District, headquartered in Sioux Falls since 2006. He is a 25-year veteran of the patrol. In fact, his official start date as captain is 25 years to the day from his entry into the Highway Patrol on Jan. 9, 1989.
“During his years with the Highway Patrol, Alan Welsh has demonstrated leadership and organizational skills,’’ said Col. Craig Price, superintendent of the Highway Patrol. “He has excelled in his previous assignments, and we are confident he will perform with distinction as commander of the Sioux Falls District.’’
Welsh was stationed in Sturgis for 11 years and then moved to Rapid City for two years. He earned a promotion to sergeant in 2001 and moved to Sioux Falls. In September of 2006, he received a promotion to lieutenant. He received a promotion to captain in December of 2013.
During his career, Welsh has served as an instructor in defensive tactics, vehicle pull-over and use of force, among other courses. He served as a member of the SWAT team for 11 years.
The Sioux Falls District encompasses 25 counties in the southeastern part of the state.