Colonel Eric T. Olson, 24th superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced he will retire effective February 1, 2025, after more than 34 years of dedicated service.
“I appreciate the support and friendships I have made across the state the last 34 years. The privilege to serve as a trooper has been a rewarding and humbling experience. I thank my family as well for their unwavering support throughout my career.”
“Colonel Olson is a dedicated public servant whose commitment to law and order and improving public safety across our state will be greatly missed,” Governor Parson said. “Appointing Eric as MSHP Superintendent was one of the first appointments we made. After responding to natural disasters, train derailments, civil unrest, a global pandemic, and the list goes on, we couldn’t be more proud of the exceptional work Eric has done in leading our state’s top law enforcement agency. On behalf of all Missourians, Teresa and I thank Eric and his family for their service and wish them all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Olson was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1990, as a member of the 63rd Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop H where he held the ranks of trooper, corporal, and sergeant.
In 2004, Olson was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Troop B Headquarters in Macon, MO. In 2014, Olson was promoted to the rank of captain and designated commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit. In 2015, he transferred to the Division of Drug & Crime Control where he served as director. Olson was promoted to major in 2017, where he served as commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO. Olson was promoted to lieutenant colonel March 9, 2017, and designated assistant superintendent of the Patrol. On September 1, 2018, he assumed the role of acting superintendent.
On March 5, 2019, Governor Michael L. Parson appointed Olson the 24th superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was confirmed by the Missouri Senate on March 14, 2019.
Colonel Olson grew up in Chillicothe, MO. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1986. Olson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, in 1990. He completed the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, in 2011 and attended the FBI National Executive Institute in 2023. Colonel Olson and his wife have two sons.
