Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has accepted the resignations of Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán and Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Richard “Butch” Collins.
Director Guzmán informed the governor yesterday of his desire to move on to another role in the administration and the need to initiate a fresh start for the department. Later yesterday, Colonel Collins agreed to submit his resignation so that new leadership at the State Highway Patrol could join in the effort to have the Department and the Patrol move forward collaboratively.
“Henry and Butch are both accomplished professionals whose commitment to public service and the safety and wellbeing of Ohioans is unquestioned,” Strickland said. “Both have served with distinction for decades.”
“I thank Governor Strickland for the opportunity to lead this truly diverse agency of more than 4,000 dedicated personnel who are committed to protecting the safety and security of all Ohioans. I am proud to acknowledge the important contributions our employees make each and every day in our communities,” said Guzmán. “I appreciate the governor’s support and look forward to continuing to serve the public to improve and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of our great state.”
During his tenure as the state’s public safety director, Guzmán strengthened partnerships with Ohio’s public safety stakeholders. He worked to ensure coordinated response, support, and partnership with local governments and jurisdictions at all levels in the areas of traffic safety, homeland security and liquor permit enforcement. He was instrumental in improving communications and outreach with Ohio’s diverse multicultural communities, initiating statewide efforts to enhance emergency preparedness. Guzmán also targeted federal stimulus resources to local law enforcement agencies for important public safety projects and initiatives.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Defense recognized Guzmán’s outstanding leadership in support of active-duty military and veterans with the announcement that the Ohio Department of Public Safety is one of 15 private and public employers nationwide selected to receive the 2009 Freedom Award, which will be presented to the department by President Barack Obama in late September.
Guzmán will continue to serve as director until a replacement is named.
Appointed as the 15th Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol on April 10, 2007, Col. Collins’ tenure as State Highway Patrol superintendent was highlighted by Ohio motorists experiencing two of the safest years on record with traffic fatalities remaining at or near historic lows. Through the 24/7 initiative, the Patrol has worked to reduce serious traffic crashes and apprehend the criminal element through high-visibility traffic enforcement, drug interdiction and recovery of stolen vehicles and property.
“I appreciated the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of the finest law enforcement agency in the country,” Collins said.
Under Collins’ leadership, the Patrol completed the installation of a vehicle fire protection system for every Ohio State Highway Patrol Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors (CVPIs), bringing an added measure of safety to all troopers working in the field.
Collins has been asked to serve in his position until the newly-appointed director of the Department of Public Safety appoints a new superintendent.