Former MP man named next Iowa State Patrol Colonel

An officer who spent part of his career in Mt. Pleasant has been named the next chief of the Iowa State Patrol.

On Thursday, Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Roxann Ryan announced that Iowa State Patrol Captain Jeff Ritzman would be named to head the Iowa State Patrol.

Ritzman will take the rank of colonel and replace Colonel Michael Van Berkum, who officially retired yesterday.

Ritzman will be the sixteenth Chief of the Iowa State Patrol.

?The Iowa State Patrol?s reputation as dedicated professionals will continue with the leadership of Colonel Ritzman,? said Commissioner Ryan. ?Colonel Ritzman possesses the unique combination of leadership, integrity and robust experience needed to ensure the public?s safety in the years ahead.?

Ritzman is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Drake University. He began his career with the Iowa State Patrol in 1982. He served as a Sergeant in District 13, which encompasses Mt. Pleasant.

Since then, he served as Basic Academy Camp Commander and in the Professional Standards Bureau and the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center. Most recently, he served as Executive Officer to the Commissioner.

Ritzman is married and has two children and five grandchildren.