Florida Highway Patrol Troop B in the Gainesville District has a new leader.
FHP Director Col. Gene Spaulding announced Friday that Capt. William “Barry” Tierney has been promoted to major of the unit in the Gainesville District. A 31-year law enforcement veteran, Tierney most recently served as Troop B’s district commander.
“Maj. Tierney is a forward-thinking leader who is ready to lead the way in Troop B,” Spaulding said. “Maj. Tierney brings a wealth of knowledge and law enforcement experience to his new position within the organization.”
Tierney began his FHP career in 1987 and was a member of the 80th Recruit Class. He has served the residents and visitors of Florida in Troop E (Miami and Key Largo), Troop B (Lake City) and Troop Q (Tallahassee).
Tierney also has worked in the Criminal Interdiction Unit, the Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit, on the Special Response Team and as the Northern Region Commander for the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence.
He was instrumental in the FHP’s response to the 2012 and 2016 Republican National Conventions, as well multi-agency response efforts requiring FHP’s Special Response Team (SRT) and Quick Response Force (QRF), including the 2017 Hurricane Irma and 2018 Hurricane Michael evacuation and relief efforts.
Tierney is an Air Force veteran. He attended Florida Keys Community College, Minot State University and Florida Gateway College.