TRENTON – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Dec. 8 announced the retirement of New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan effective Dec. 31, following a storied 31 years with the division.
“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,” Murphy said in a release. “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.”
“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,” Callahan said. “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.
“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 thanked colleagues, community partners, and the citizens for their support over the last three decades.
“I retire with profound appreciation and the confidence that the future of this agency remains in capable hands. 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,” he said.
Callahan was sworn in as acting NJSP superintendent by Gov. Chris Christie on Oct. 31, 2017. Prior to that, Callahan was the deputy superintendent of Operations, a role where he supervised and directed the activities of 1,800 enlisted members of the NJSP.
Callahan enlisted in April 1995 as a member of the 115th Trooper Class. During his tenure, he has also served as a recovery bureau chief in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, as the commanding officer of the Emergency Management Section, as assistant state director of the Office of Emergency Management, and was the chairman of the Command and Control Subcommittee of the Emergency Management Section when New Jersey hosted Super Bowl XLVIII.
He resides in Warren County with his wife Linda and four children. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Villanova University and a master of administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Callahan is the son of retired NJSP Major Mick Callahan, who served as division staff section commanding officer under Colonel Clinton Pagano.
