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. Scott B. White 573-526-6115
July 27, 2026
Q07272026
EMPHASIS: Captain Erik A. Gottman To Retire August 1, 2026
Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the retirement of Captain Erik A. Gottman, Troop B, Macon, effective August 1, 2026, after 30 years of dedicated service.
Gottman joined the Missouri State Water Patrol as a member of its 27th Recruit Class on October 1, 1995. As a Water Patrol officer, he earned the ranks of corporal (1999), sergeant (2000), and lieutenant (2007). Upon the merger between the Missouri State Water Patrol and the Missouri State Highway Patrol January 1, 2011, he was assigned to Troop B. On August 1, 2020, Gottman was promoted to captain and designated the commanding officer of Troop B.
Capt. Gottman was born in Fort Knox, KY. He graduated from Hannibal High School in Hannibal, MO. In 1995, he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration from Hannibal-LaGrange College. Capt. Gottman completed the Law Enforcement Leadership & Organizational Change Course in 2014. In 2015, he completed Leadership in Police Organizations training, and Police Leadership: The WestPoint Model Instructor Academy in 2019. Capt. Gottman graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 276 in 2019. He and his wife, Ashley (Biellier), have one son, Colton.
A photo of Capt. Gottman is available with this news release on the Patrol’s website.