Va. State Police Superintendent to Retire after Long Career with Agency

The four decade law enforcement career of the head of the Virginia State Police will come to an end early next year when he retires.

Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police's superintendent, will retire Feb. 1, Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office announced Wednesday, according to WRIC-TV. He had been superintendent since he was appointed to the post in 2018.

“I have been blessed to lead this Department for seven years, and to have served in it for four decades," Settle said in a statement. "I am proud of the work our troopers, agents and civilian staff put in over that time, dealing with protests, solving cold cases, rescuing people and making sure the roads are safe. … I will miss being part of this wonderful group of talented and dedicated men and women.”

Before becoming superintendent, Settle worked in the agency's Bureau of Criminal Investigation as both deputy director and director. He graduated from the state police academy in 1986 and was his class' president.

Along with his service with the Virginia State Police, Settle also was Rappahannock County sheriff from 1996 to 2000.

A national search will be conducted for the next superintendent. Lt. Col. Matt Hanley will lead the agency on interim basis.