New Highway Patrol leader sworn in Col. Tim

Cameron officially takes command

By Mark Horan

Timothy K. Cameron was sworn-in as the 14th Colonel for the Wyoming Highway Patrol at a ceremony on Jan. 3 at the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Accompanied by his wife and sons and in front of a crowded court room, Cameron was sworn in by Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate Fox.

Speakers at the ceremony were Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Wyoming Department of Transportation Director L uke Reiner.

Formerly the Sheriff of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Cameron brings more than 40 years of policing experience to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

“It’s my opinion, supported by many others, that this man has the demonstrated expertise, the character traits and leadership skills to lead our state’s highly-esteemed, expert and professional force,” Reiner remarked at the ceremony.

Reiner noted that Cameron will be expected to enforce standards, demonstrate relatability, act calm and decisively under pressure, and be a statesman in dealing with state and county officials and others in authority.

Cameron’s ability to effectively coordinate with other law enforcement forces within Wyoming and in neighboring states will be imperative, Reiner said.

“Crime does not recognize political boundaries…and backup is always a good thing,” he said.

“The fact that colonels from surrounding states and multiple law enforcement leaders from around Wyoming are here means we’re off to a good start,” Reiner pointed out.

In their remarks, Reiner and Gov. Gordon thanked Cameron’s family for their support.

“Families of those involved in law enforcement are the bedrock of our formation. They know that their loved ones have chosen a profession that is demanding. It’s focused on public service. It’s sometimes dangerous,” Reiner said.

Gordon echoed Reiner’s sentiment.

“To those families of law enforcement, first responders, firefighters, and others, thank you from the bottom of my heart and from my commanding officer Jennie,” Gordon said. “We appreciate everything that you do.”

The selection of Cameron as the new WHP Colonel was an extensive process over the last seven months that involved multiple key stakeholders.

Colonel continued on page 3

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

Director

Jeremy Beck Patrol Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/ wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.

Gordon recalled being impressed with Cameron during the selection process.

“I came away really refreshed with your perspective and your experience,” Gordon said. “And [former Governor of Maryland] Gov. Hogan said very good things about you, so we’re very, very pleased.”

In his closing comments, Gordon assured Cameron and the Wyoming Highway Patrol of his support.

“The people of Wyoming love law enforcement,” he said. “We care about the people that are willing to put themselves on the line in the worst conditions and willing to put themselves in danger’s way. So know that you have support here. We really look forward to your time. God bless you for coming here.”

After taking his oath and receiving his badge pinned on by his wife, Cameron took the podium to offer his thoughts.

“I’m honored and humbled to become a member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol and to be part of the WYDOT family as a guardian of the Cowboy State,” Cameron said. “My appreciation to Governor Gordon and Director Reiner for the opportunity to live and work in the great state of Wyoming and to be part of such an exemplary storied agency.”

Cameron concluded his remarks by saying he was eager to get to work, fulfilling the mission of the Wyoming Highway Patrol to serve and protect the public.

“I look forward to working with, and for, all of you,” Cameron said. “Thank you all so much. I’m smiling because this is unbelievable.”

Cameron is the 14th person to take command of the state’s largest law enforcement agency since Patrol’s inception more than 90 years ago.

Cameron succeeds Kebin Haller who retired in July 2022 and Shannon Ratliff who served as interim administrator while WHP and WYDOT conducted their search.

At the ceremony, Ratliff received special recognition by Director Reiner for his willingness to temporarily leave retirement to lead the force. Ratliff had retired in 2021 with more than 30 years in law enforcement.

Wyoming is one of two states in the nation that houses its highway patrol in the Department of Transportation.