South Carroll Graduate and Lifetime Carroll County Resident Takes Command of Westminster State Police Barrack

Lieutenant Jim DeWees, 40, is the new commander of the Westminster Maryland State Police Barrack. 

DeWees replaces former commander Lt. Andrew Winner, who was promoted to captain. Captain Winner will become the new commander of the Central Troop, which includes the Westminster Barrack, according to a news statement. 

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the barrack where I have spent most of my career as a Maryland state trooper,” DeWees said in a statement.  “I look forward to serving with the dedicated men and women of this barrack as we continue the outstanding tradition of State Police law enforcement service in Carroll County and work with our public safety partners to protect our citizens.” 

DeWees is a 20-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He was most recently the commander of the Golden Ring barrack.

Prior to his assignment at the Golden Ring barrack, DeWees was the assistant commander at the Westminster barrack and was in charge of all criminal investigations. He previously served in a full-time position with the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division as a member of the Special Tactical Assault Team Element, or STATE Team, according to a statement. 

DeWees is still an incident commander on the STATE Team, responding to high-risk incidents throughout the state, including Carroll County. 

DeWees is a lifetime resident of Carroll County. He is a 1988 graduate of South Carroll High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.