Local, state, and federal law enforcement leaders from across Missouri joined legislators, judges, state government directors, Patrol employees, friends and family for Colonel James F. Keathley’s retirement reception on Thursday, February 25, 2010. The reception took place at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy at General Headquarters in Jefferson City. It was an opportunity to honor Col. Keathley’s three and a half years as superintendent and 33 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A special ceremony during the event included Col. Keathley presenting badge No. 1 and its corresponding insignia to Governor Jay Nixon. The governor then formally presented the badge and insignia to the incoming superintendent, Colonel Ron Replogle.
“Col. Keathley has served and protected this 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,” said Governor Nixon. “Col. Keathley is what every good law enforcement officer strives to be. I congratulate him on his retirement, and thank him for his long and faithful service to the people of the state of Missouri.”
