DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Roxann Ryan said Friday she’s informed Gov. Kim Reynolds that she will be leaving her job next month. Ryan told employees in an email that she’ll step down Jan. 2 after leading the department for four years. She says she’s proud of progress that’s been made in the department, which includes the Iowa State Patrol, the Division of Criminal Investigation and other public safety units.

Colonel Jeff Ritzman, Chief of the Iowa State Patrol, also announced his retirement, effective January 2, 2019, after 36 years of service in the Iowa State Patrol.   Col Ritzman served as the 16th Colonel of the Iowa State Patrol. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa (B.A., 1993) and Drake University (M.P.A. 2008).  The Colonel began his career with the Iowa State Patrol in 1982 and has served as a Trooper, a Sergeant, and a District Commander.  He also served as Basic Academy Camp Commander; in the Professional Standards Bureau; in the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center; and as Executive Officer.

Ritzman said “It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the men and women of the Iowa State Patrol as their Colonel. In my eyes, there is no finer group of Troopers or people.“