NJ’s Top Cop Out As Murphy’s Administration Ends

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, will be retiring at the end of this year, according to Governor Phil Murphy.

Murphy announced on Monday that Callahan will retire on Dec. 31 after serving 31 years with the NJ State Police.

“Colonel Callahan embodies the very essence of a career public servant. For more than three decades, he served the people of New Jersey with an unwavering commitment to the core values of the State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity,” said Murphy. “He has been an indispensable member of my Cabinet, guiding our work through some of the most challenging moments in our state’s history – from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to the unprecedented demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Above all, he has been a trusted colleague and a dear friend. I wish him nothing but the very best as he enters this next chapter of his life.”

Callahan, of Warren County, first joined the state police in April 1995 as a member of the 115th Trooper Class, following in the footsteps of his father, Major Mick Callahan, who served as Division Staff Section Commanding Officer under New Jersey’s 9th Superintendent of the State Police, Colonel Clinton Pagano.

Over the last three decades, Callahan rose through the ranks of the NJ State Police. He’s served as the Recovery Bureau Chief following Superstorm Sandy, the Commanding Officer of the Emergency Management Section, Assistant State Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and led the Command and Control Subcommittee of the Emergency Management Section when New Jersey hosted Super Bowl XLVIII.

It was in 2017 when former-Governor Chris Christie swore Callahan in as Acting NJ State Police Superintendent. He would take on the role in an official capacity in 2021.

“I leave this role with deep pride in the work we have accomplished and with an unwavering respect for the men and women who serve our communities every day,” said Callahan. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside individuals who embody our core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity. Together, we faced challenges, embraced innovation, strengthened partnerships, and remained committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public we are sworn to protect.”

Callahan’s retirement comes amid the transition to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s administration. Sherrill is set to be sworn in as New Jersey’s first woman Democratic Governor on Jan. 20.

Sherrill called Callahan’s service “commendable” as she wished him and his family well on social media.

It’s not yet clear who will be replacing Callahan as Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, but he is confident that the future of the agency will remain in “capable hands.”

“Transitions in leadership are part of public service, and I accept this change with gratitude for the many opportunities I have had to contribute to the sacred mission of the New Jersey State Police…I offer my full support to the incoming administration and to the dedicated personnel who will continue to carry our mission forward,” Callahan said. “To all of my colleagues, community partners, and the citizens we serve: thank you for your trust, collaboration, and support throughout the past three decades…While I look forward to the next chapter, I will always remain proud of the work we accomplished together and deeply honored to have served. And to each and every Jersey Trooper, stay safe out there and God bless you all.”