Col. Sam Powell to retire as Highway Patrol administrator
Col. Sam Powell, administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) for the past five years, will retire April 2, completing nearly 34 years with the agency.
“Col. Powell’s career with the WHP has been one of distinction. Bringing a thoughtful and deliberative strength to the position of commanding officer, he has guided the Highway Patrol during some difficult times,” WYDOT Director John Cox said. “His administration has contributed in significant ways to the strategic direction of the Highway Patrol’s commitment to safety, service, and crime-fighting efforts. He has contributed much to the long-term strength of the Patrol’s history and character, and he will be missed.”
“The men and women of the Wyoming Highway Patrol will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead such a marvelous organization and work with such a great group of dedicated employees. I’ve been truly fortunate to have had such a rewarding career,” Col. Powell said.
Col. Powell retires as the longest-serving current member of the Patrol, and the sixth-longest serving officer ever in the Patrol’s 77-year history.
Col. Powell joined the Patrol as a recruit patrolman in August 1976 and was initially posted in Gillette. Over the years, he earned a series of promotions, serving several years in the Safety and Training Division and subsequently in upper-level management positions.
His final promotion, to colonel, came in March 2005 when he was appointed Patrol administrator, succeeding John Cox who earlier that year had been appointed as WYDOT director.
Col. Powell was raised in Laramie, where he graduated from high school and subsequently attended the University of Wyoming. He is a 1994 graduate of the FBI National Academy.
During his Patrol career, he received numerous honors, including the Director’s Commendation award for valor and life-saving actions taken during the 1985 incident when fellow officer Larry Szabo was shot and critically wounded along I-80 west of Laramie.
WYDOT Director Cox emphasized that Col. Powell will be leading the Patrol until his retirement.
“Our immediate priority is the current legislative session and the duties associated with it. However, preparations will commence soon to determine the process for selecting a new WHP administrator,” Cox said.
No decision has yet been made as to the time-line for that selection or for whether it will involve an interim administrator for the agency, Cox added.
