MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
January 7, 2010
Q1103
EMPHASIS: Colonel James F. Keathley Announces His Retirement


Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced today in a joint news conference with Governor Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon and DPS Director John Britt, that he will retire effective March 1, 2010. Colonel Keathley will retire with 33 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Missouri. Colonel Keathley began his career with the Patrol as a commercial vehicle inspector in 1977. On July 8, 1979, he entered the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, as a member of the 50th Recruit Class. Colonel Keathley is married and has two sons who are also members of the Patrol. Corporal Lonnie J. Keathley is assigned to Troop C, Weldon Spring; and Trooper Jeremie L. Keathley is assigned to Troop I, Rolla. He also has two stepsons, Clay and Keith Farris, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, who are employed by Sentinel, Inc., of Heber Springs, Arkansas.

"In my 38 years in law enforcement, I have worked with no finer or more dedicated individual than Jim Keathley," stated Director John M. Britt. "Col. Keathley is a man of the highest integrity. Each and every day he put the safety of the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the citizens of Missouri first and foremost. I will miss his wise counsel. "


A more detailed retirement article will be released closer to March 1.

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