From Sandy to COVID: NJ colonel who weathered every storm retires Sergio Bichao Published: December 8, 2025 State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks at a news conference in Bridgeton 5/24/21 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

⚫️ NJ’s top cop stepping down after 31 years

⚫️ Governor praises Colonel Callahan’s service through crises

⚫️ Retirement takes effect Dec. 31 as leadership shift begins

New Jersey’s top state trooper, Colonel Pat Callahan, is stepping down after a 31-year career that spanned some of the most turbulent chapters in the state’s recent history.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the retirement, calling Callahan a steady hand during disasters from Superstorm Sandy to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the top cop appeared almost every day alongside Murphy during hi

See Full Page