Leader of Mississippi Highway Patrol retiring at end of June

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The officer who leads the Mississippi Highway Patrol says he will retire June 30, after a 26-year career with the Department of Public Safety.

Col. Chris Gillard was named assistant commissioner of public safety and head of the state’s largest law enforcement agency in February 2016.

A news release from the department said the Tupelo native was previously director of the Driver Service Bureau, director of training, executive officer to the public safety commissioner, a member of the governor’s executive protection detail, a drug trafficking interdiction officer and a Highway Patrol recruiter.

“We are blessed to have a great team of dedicated public servants who will continue working hard to protect the citizens of our great state,” Gillard said in the news release. “I am especially thankful for the support and prayers over the years from my wife, mother, family and friends who encouraged me along the way.”

Gillard was injured during his first attempt at Highway Patrol school, but he completed the course and graduated in 1994. He was outstanding trooper of the year in 1997.

“Col. Gillard has been a strong leader within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and a brave public servant within the Mississippi Highway Patrol dedicated to making Mississippi a better and safer place for all who call our great state home,” Gov. Tate Reeves said in the release.