The Idaho Falls Police Department is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Sgt. Galbreaith to the rank of lieutenant. The promotion went into effect on August 6, 2017.
“Sgt Galbreaith’s drive, dedication and professionalism bring great credit upon himself and the Idaho Falls Police Department. I have no doubt that those attributes will continue to keep with the highest traditions of law enforcement as he leads his team and advances in his career within the department,” states Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBride.
Galbreaith began working for the Idaho Falls Police Department in 1998. He was promoted to detective in 2003. In 2009, he was promoted to sergeant where he was assigned to the Patrol Division, as well as serving as a Neighborhood Police Officer. As a field commander, he was tasked with executing strategies and tactics that keep the public, his team, and suspects safe, while protecting the integrity of the investigation and evidence.
Galbreaith received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1997 from the University of Central Oklahoma. He received his Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in leadership from Tiffin University in 2012.
In March 2017, Sgt. Galbreaith was awarded the Commander’s Commendation for his leadership and support following a vehicle pursuit in October of 2016. During that pursuit, two suspects tried to escape by jumping into the Idaho Canal where they attempted to swim away or hide along the canal bank. The first suspect was located and removed from the water, but the second suspect pretended to be unconscious and quietly floated away attempting to go unnoticed. Sgt. Galbreaith not only kept command of the scene and gave great direction, but he was also the first one in the frigid water to the save the suspect when he was spotted.
Capt. Royce Clements stated, “The pursuit in October is just one example of how Sgt. Galbreaith is leading from the front with his fellow officers. There are several more examples of where he has stayed on top of incidents where his actions and control were spot on.”
Five individuals applied for the position. A Chief’s panel comprised of all of the lieutenants from the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Captain and the Chief reviewed and evaluated each application. Each candidate was considered equally under the merits of the City Policy IX which states, “All promotions or upgrading to an advanced classification will be made on the basis of qualifications, ability, attitude, aptitude, education, performance and work habits. Everything else being equal, employees of longest service will be given preference.”
Media Note: A photo of Lieutenant Galbreaith is not available.
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