SHP Supt. James Keathley announces retirement during news conference with Gov. Nixon
There will be a changing of the guard at the top of the State Highway Patrol.
Superintendent James Keathley has announced he will be stepping down March 1st. Keathley began with the patrol in 1977 and will retire on his 33rd anniversary with the patrol. Keathley says he has enjoyed nearly every day he has led the Highway Patrol. The days he didn’t enjoy were those in which he received notice of a trooper’s death, such as the death of Corporal Dennis Engelhard who was struck and killed by an out-of-control vehicle on I-44 as Engelhard was investigating a minor accident. Engelhard was the 28th State Highway Patrol officer killed in the line of duty.
Gov. Nixon says Colonel Keathley served the state with honor and integrity.
“His leadership of the Missouri State Highway Patrol has made our roadways safer, our families more secure, and his department more accountable to the taxpayers,” Nixon says.
Nixon will appoint Keathley’s successor, subject to approval by the state Senate.
SHP Supertindent James Keathley retirement announcement. (8:40)
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