Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement Monday morning. He said Colonel Patrick Callahan served the people of New Jersey with the core values of "Honor, Duty and Fidelity.”
Callahan has been with the state police department since 1995. He was sworn in as Acting State Police Superintendent by then-Gov. Chris Christie eight years ago.
The Colonel called his role in New Jersey law enforcement "the honor of a lifetime."
Callahan will retire effective Wednesday, Dec. 31, meaning there will be a new superintendent under the incoming Mikie Sherrill administration.
(Photo credit: New Jersey State Police Facebook)