Missouri Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Bret Johnson announced Tuesday he will retire effective Feb. 1.
Johnson is a 30-year veteran of the Patrol and has served as its 22nd superintendent since May 2015.
"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," Johnson said. "These brave, honorable men did not get to reach their retirement."
Johnson's departure will come shortly after Gov. Jay Nixon's predecessor assumes office Jan. 9. Republican Gov.-elect Eric Greitens will be responsible for appointing the Patrol's next overseer.
"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," Nixon said. "The state of Missouri and the Missouri Highway Patrol are better because of his distinguished 30 years of service."
Outgoing Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster also praised Johnson's work as field operations commander during the unrest in Ferguson after the 2014 fatal police shooting of Michael Brown.
During his tenure as superintendent, Johnson established the Career Recruitment Division to cultivate partnerships with diverse groups and organizations across Missouri, with a goal of building long-term relationships with young people to inform them about career opportunities with the Patrol.
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 (Macon) and Troop F (Jefferson City) 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. Nixon nominated Johnson to become the Patrol superintendent in February 2015, and he was confirmed by the Missouri Senate that March.
Johnson currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Cindy. They have two adult sons, one of whom is a sergeant on the Patrol; a daughter-in-law, and a 5-month-old granddaughter.
The Associated Press contributed information to this article.