Idaho State Police promote Pocatello lieutenant

The Idaho State Police in Pocatello held a promotion ceremony Friday for one of its officers.

One of District 5’s long-time lieutenants was promoted to headquarters captain in Meridian.

Many friends and fellow officers turned out to the ceremony to congratulate Lieutenant John Ganske.

Ganske has nearly 30 years experience working in law enforcement. Twenty-six of those years have been spent working investigations with Idaho State Police. All Ganske’s years of service have been spent in Pocatello, where he calls home.

Ganske was born and raised in Pocatello. He attended Highland High School and Idaho State University, where he played on the football team.

Now, Ganske will be calling Meridian his new home as he takes on the role of ISP’s headquarters captain. He was officially made a captain Friday as his wife pinned the captain’s start on his uniform.

“It’s a big change, a big movement for me,” Ganske said. “And it’s just I’m leaving something that I’m very comfortable with and going to the great unknown.”

Several applicants throughout the state applied and tested for the position. Fellow officers said they’re not surprised Ganske was the one chosen. They believe he’ll be a great asset in Meridian.

“He has experience in homicides and every kind of crime you can think of,” said Capt. Eric Dayley from ISP District 5.

One of the most well-known cases Ganske was a primary investigator on was the Cassie Jo Stoddart murder. He’s also helped solve a triple homicide, as well as numerous drug cases.

“He’s very tactically-minded, very tactically-oriented. Always has been,” said Lt. Col. Kedrick Wills, who has worked with Ganske for many years. “From the operations side he can really tell us what the needs are out in the field and we think that’s really going to be beneficial for us.”

Ed Gygli, former commander for district five, said he expects nothing but great things from Ganske.

“He’ll hit the ground running and he’ll perform in that job wonderfully, no different than he has here for his entire career,” Gygli said

Dayley said he’s excited for Ganske’s new opportunity, but he’ll be leaving behind a hole that will be hard to fill. Dayley said Ganske will be very missed.

“John is not afraid to tell me what he thinks, which I appreciate,” Dayley said. “He’s very candid and I appreciate that. And he’s given me some great advice over the years. He’s helped me develop into the person I am and I certainly appreciate that and I’m going to truly miss that. And then I’ll also just miss his friendship. He’s a great friend.”

Ganske said the hardest part of leaving will be missing the people of Pocatello, but he looks forward to this new chapter.

“I’m excited for the new experience and excited to be able to have different opportunities and different influences on the agency,” Ganske said.

Ganske will begin his new job in Meridian on June 20.