New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas Announces his Retirement

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 31 December 2018 31 December 2018

Santa Fe, NM- New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas will retire today after 26 years with the department. Chief Kassetas started his career with the New Mexico State Police in 1992. His first duty station was Grants, NM. During his career, Chief Kassetas worked in both patrol and criminal investigations section as an officer and supervisor.

On August 1, 2013 he was appointed as the 21st New Mexico State Police Chief and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Program. Chief Kassetas directed the State Police, Motor Transportation Police, and Special Investigations Unit. Under his direction he promoted an influential merger which brought all three departments under the umbrella of New Mexico State Police.

When he began his tenure as chief, State Police manpower was at 513 officers which he increased to 658.  He graduated 11 recruit schools totaling 247 new officers, 23 of those being female officers.  

retirement1Before his retirement, Chief Kassetas wanted to bring back a part of the New Mexico State Police’s legacy. In 1933 the New Mexico Motor Patrol was formed, and the original 7 officers were issued Harley Davidson Motorcycles. It has been almost 70 years since the New Mexico State Police has had a Harley Davidson in their fleet. Chief Kassetas is proud to add 2 new Harley Davidson Motorcycles to the Motor Unit in 2019.  The addition of these two Harley Davidson Motorcycles will carry out the New Mexico State Police’s tradition, pride, and honor.

retirement2Chief Kassetas feels honored and privileged to have served the people of New Mexico. His goal has always been to make a positive difference, to be part of the community, serve the community, and work together with the citizens of New Mexico. The Chief would like to thank the supervisors, officers, dispatchers, and civilian employees for all they have done under his command. Chief will miss his day to day interactions with everyone.

As he leaves the New Mexico State Police, he wishes all the officers return home safe at the end of their shift, for the rest of their careers. 

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