(KNSI) — Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Matt Langer says he is leaving the Department of Public Safety after nearly 25 years of service.
Langer started his career in 1999 and worked his way through the ranks, and has been the State Patrol’s chief for the last ten years.
Among his accomplishments, he helped advocate for the passage of the state’s hands-free bill in 2019, banning the handheld use of devices behind the wheel, re-established a chaplaincy program and signed a pledge to increase the number of female troopers and support staff by 2030. The DPS says he is also proud of helping focus the State Patrol’s education and enforcement efforts on preventing driving behaviors that cause fatal crashes. The DPS says Minnesota’s roads are now the third-safest in the nation.
“Beginning my career with the State Patrol was an easy decision – deciding to leave has been the opposite,” Langer said. “I am truly proud of the work our employees do every day and am honored to have been able to lead them for the past 10 years. Our greatest asset is the people within our organization and the millions of Minnesotans who support us in our work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Col. Langer has accepted a position as director of global policing for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
His last day will be April 2. Lt. Col. Christina Bogojevic will serve as interim chief.
DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson will begin the search to name a new colonel immediately.
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