HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett has announced the appointment ofTimothy J. Mercer, a 25-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, as the department’s deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility.
“Major Mercer is an extraordinary commander who came very highly recommended by Commissioner Frank Noonan,” Gov. Corbett said. “He has served in various roles during his career, and for the past four years has been in a key command position, which makes him the perfect choice for the deputy commissioner post.”
Mercer, 47, a native of Bellwood, Blair County, most recently served as the director of the State Police Bureau of Patrol inHarrisburg.
As deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility, Mercer will hold the rank of lieutenant colonel. His duties include direct authority over the Bureau of Human Resources, the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, the Bureau of Training and Education, the Department Discipline Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity Office, and the Member Assistance Program.
One of his primary missions is to focus on the recruitment of female and minority members, Gov. Corbett said.
Mercer enlisted in the State Police in 1988. Following his training at the State Police Academy in Hershey, he was assigned to Troop S, Harrisburg.
As he progressed through the ranks, Mercer also served at stations in Bedford, Hollidaysburg, Carlisle and McConnellsburg. Mercer was promoted to corporal in 1995, to sergeant in 1999, to lieutenant in 2005, to captain in 2008 and to major in 2012.
Mercer received a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from the Pennsylvania State University in 1988. He also is a 2008 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
He is married to the former Sally L. Kirkpatrick – she is a native of Tyrone, Blair County, and they have three children: Morgan, Lindsey and Kamryn.
Mercer’s appointment was effective Nov. 13.