Superintendent of MSHP announces retirement

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced on Tuesday that he will retire on Feb. 1, 2017. Colonel Johnson is a 30-year veteran of the Patrol, and has served as its 22nd superintendent since May 1, 2015.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Missouri for the past 30 years,” said Colonel Johnson. “My thoughts are with the friends and family of the 31 Patrol members who made the Ultimate Sacrifice, 18 of whom died while I served. These brave, honorable men did not get to reach their retirement.”

“Bret Johnson has risen to the top due to hard work, integrity, and outstanding leadership,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “As the lead state law enforcement officer on the ground following the Joplin tornado, he showed unwavering courage and leadership that provided confidence to Missourians in need. The state of Missouri and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are better because of his distinguished 30 years of service. I am grateful to Bret for his service to the state and for his tireless work to protect the safety of the people of Missouri.”

Colonel Johnson established the Career Recruitment Division on June 1, 2015 to cultivate partnerships with diverse groups and organizations across Missouri.

Johnson, a native of Unionville, was appointed to the Patrol in August 1986, as a member of the 58th Recruit Class. He served in assignments in Kahoka and Hannibal in Troop B and Troop F before being assigned to General Headquarters as the executive officer.

He was promoted to the rank of captain in 2003, and designated chief of staff. In 2007, he was promoted to major and served as the bureau commander for the Support Services Bureau before becoming commander of the Field Operations Bureau.

Governor Nixon nominated Johnson to become the Patrol superintendent on Feb. 11, 2015, and he was confirmed by the Missouri Senate on March 19, 2015.