By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD – State Police Capt. Nathan A. Noyes of New Boston was confirmed as Colonel of the New Hampshire State Police Wednesday morning by the Executive Council. The board met remotely by phone.

Gov. Chris Sununu nominated Noyes to the post calling him a particularly strong candidate to lead state police operations with experience in several leadership roles and experience as a state trooper.

Noyes replaces Col. Chris Wagner who retired March 2.

Until now, Capt. Noyes has been the commander of the Field Operations Bureau, Field Area III. He previously held the ranks of Troop Commander, Assistant Troop Commander, Patrol Supervisor, and Trooper. Noyes has been awarded several honors, including the Congressional Law Enforcement Award.

Noyes was a 16-year-old student at Kennett High School in Conway when his father, New Hampshire Police Sgt. James Noyes was killed in the line of duty in Gilford in 1994.

The younger Noyes followed the steps of his late father into law enforcement and began his career with State Police in 2001.

In a statement accompanying his nomination, Sununu said: “I look forward to working with him to ensure that New Hampshire remains one of the safest states in the nation.”

Robert Quinn, the commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, said Noyes is qualified by reason of his experience, serving in many different ranks.

In a statement, Noyes thanked Sununu and Quinn for their confidence and mentioned how the State Police has a highly regarded reputation.

“It is with the utmost sense of honor, pride and integrity that I will serve our state, our communities, and my beloved fellow State Troopers,” Noyes said.

The only comment was when asked to confirm, Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli of Nashua said “Happily.”

The five councilors voted unanimously.