After nearly a quarter of a century riding with the Minnesota State Patrol, Col. Matt Langer is hanging up his trooper hat for an international gig. Langer is set to take on the role of director of global policing at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, as per an announcement found on the State Patrol's website. The veteran trooper's tenure saw him first don the uniform back in '99, and he eventually climbed the ranks to become the State Patrol's top dog over the last ten years.
The outgoing colonel is known for rigorously advocating for the passage of the state's hands-free bill in 2019 and has been hands-on in growing peer support and reviving a chaplaincy program within the ranks. His tenure has coincided with a drive to cut down on fatal crashes, which has paid off with Minnesota currently boasting the title of third-safest roads in the nation. In a move to diversify the force, Langer is also credited with signing a pledge to boost the number of female troopers and support staff to 30 percent by 2030.
In a statement laced with feelings of pride and nostalgia, Langer said, “I am truly proud of the work our employees do every day and am honored to have been able to lead them for the past 10 years. Our greatest asset is the people within our organization and the millions of Minnesotans who support us in our work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” His final day with the State Patrol is marked for April 2nd.
Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, had to heap praise on Langer, emphasizing the colonel's people-first approach regardless of whether it's team members or distraught families on their worst days. “He not only believes in the State Patrol's core values, but he conducts every interaction with respect, integrity, courage, honor, and excellence. Under Col. Langer's guidance, the State Patrol has continued to exemplify professionalism, integrity and a dedication to keeping our roads safe," Jacobson said, according to the State Patrol announcement.
As Langer prepares to step into his new role, Lt. Col. Christina Bogojevic is slated to fill the void as interim chief, ensuring Minnesota's State Patrol doesn't skip to lose a beat. Meanwhile, Jacobson's task of finding a new colonel is already underway — a high-stakes mission to find a leader capable of filling Langer's sizable boots.
