After 28 years in E. Idaho, ISP trooper will lead Twin Falls office

A well-known Idaho State Police trooper is leaving eastern Idaho after 28 years of service here.

Starting Monday, newly-promoted Capt. Ismael Gonzales will lead ISP District 4 in Twin Falls.

Gonzales began his law enforcement career in 1987 with the Rexburg Police Department before transferring to ISP in 1990, where he’s remained since.

In 1994, he was shot twice in the chest during a routine traffic stop in Fremont County while working for ISP District 6.

“That will always be a part of my life. That moment where I came so close to losing my life,” said Gonzales.

If anything, Gonzales said those two bullets only strengthened his resolve.

“That kind of made me even more dedicated to what I was doing was right. This is my job. This is where I needed to be,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales has spent the last seven years as a lieutenant at ISP District 5 based in Pocatello.

He said the move to Twin Falls will bring new challenges, but none that he isn’t prepared to take on.

Gonzales’ replacement has yet to be named.