Brigadier General William Shawver is leaving his position as director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security to take a private-sector position, and Col. Brad Richy has been named the new director. Richy, 54, currently serves as the commander of the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard; he's a decorated veteran who's a recipient of the Bronze Star and also holds a master's degree in business administration.

Gov. Butch Otter said, “The Bureau of Homeland Security is the key State agency tasked with working closely with local government authorities to address disaster response and emergency preparedness throughout Idaho. General Shawver has done a masterful job of addressing the unique needs of communities in every corner of our state. He departs from that role with my thanks and great appreciation for his skills. I also know that Colonel Richy will continue that important work requiring both a diplomat’s tact and patience and a seasoned leader’s discipline and operational awareness.”

Shawver will continue to serve as commander of the Idaho Air National Guard. The appointment was announced today by Idaho National Guard Adjutant General Major General Gary Sayler; click below for the full announcement.
 

State of Idaho Military Division / Idaho National Guard
News release – Col. Brad Richy appointed as director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
For Immediate Release, July 19, 2012

(Boise) After nearly five years of serving as director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, Brigadier General William Shawver is stepping down to take a job in the private sector. His last day in his BHS role is Friday, July 27.

Shawver, a 37-year veteran of the Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard, has concurrently served as Assistant Adjutant General, Air, and Commander, Idaho Air National Guard since 2010. He will remain in his command role, serving as a traditional Air National Guard member.

“It’s hard to believe that almost five years has passed since I was named the director,” said General Shawver. “Working with the folks in the BHS in support of local elected officials, county/tribal emergency managers, first responders, and the residents of this great State has been the highlight of my 37 years of government service. My sincere appreciation to Governor Otter and Major General Sayler for this awesome opportunity to serve with the finest Idaho has to offer.”

Idaho Adjutant General Major General Gary Sayler has appointed Colonel William B. “Brad” Richy as Shawver’s successor in the role of Idaho BHS director, leading the bureau’s 65 personnel.

Richy, 54, currently serves as commander, 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard. He began his military career in 1977 and joined the Idaho Air National Guard in 1988. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and is a recipient of the Bronze Star and numerous other military awards and decorations.

The colonel is a command pilot with over 8,000 flying hours. He has flown 15 types of civilian and military aircraft, most notably the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the Boeing 747, which he flew in his civilian career as a pilot for United Parcel Service. His first day on the job with Idaho BHS will be Monday, July 23.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel Brad Richy as the new Director of BHS," said General Sayler. “He brings proven military, managerial and leadership experience to this position. I have known Colonel Richy for 25 years and he has my complete respect and trust. I know he is up to the task of leading BHS into the future.”

“I look forward to this great opportunity to serve the State of Idaho in a crucial role,” said Richy. “The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will continue its solid legacy of service in emergency management, and I will work diligently to uphold the outstanding working relationships General Shawver has cemented with first responders and elected leaders around the state.”

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter praised Sayler’s decision to appoint Richy, as well as Shawver’s work at Homeland Security.

“The Bureau of Homeland Security is the key State agency tasked with working closely with local government authorities to address disaster response and emergency preparedness throughout Idaho,” Governor Otter said. “General Shawver has done a masterful job of addressing the unique needs of communities in every corner of our state. He departs from that role with my thanks and great appreciation for his skills. I also know that Colonel Richy will continue that important work requiring both a diplomat’s tact and patience and a seasoned leader’s discipline and operational awareness.”
 
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