Posted on Denver Post article - 2/28/09 - New Colorado State Patrol chief takes reins.
Congratulations to Chief Trostel on his supreme career in law enforcement as a humble servant to our communities.
He left a "good Mark" - on Colorado!
And now, with 37 years of serving the public, he can consider that book finished... and take a well earned rest.
As he begins charting out his new book, it is our sincerest hope its chapters include a continuation of his leadership contributions to our state and nation.
Chief Trostel was born with the talent and work ethic of a true Statesman. This gives us reason to believe his greatest accomplishments are still to come.
We are proud to call Mark a Good Neighbor, and best of all - friend!
We thank him for what he's given us as individuals, and what he's given Colorado as a whole.
Evergreen, his past services will live on, particularly when illuminated by the light of his future gifts of kindness.
May God speed Chief Mark Trostel and his family,
Chuck and Roni Sylvester
New Colorado State Patrol chief takes reins
The Denver Post
Posted: 02/27/2009 11:59:54 AM MST
Updated: 02/27/2009 04:33:51 PM MST
The new chief of the Colorado State Patrol vowed this morning to wield "duty, honor and respect" in his office and inspire it among his troopers.
Col. James Wolfinbarger, a 14-year veteran of the patrol, takes over from retiring Chief Mark Trostel.
Wolfinbarger was sworn in by Gov. Bill Ritter on the west steps of the state Capitol in Denver.
"I'm fiercely proud of this organization and fiercely loyal to the people of the state of Colorado," Wolfinbarger told the crowd of more than 100 people who gathered.
Under Wolfinbarger, the patrol will strive to further drive down the number of alcohol-related fatalities, he said. Measures against drinking and driving will continue to be a priority, Wolfinbarger said, as will the
Trostel began his career with the patrol in 1979. He served as chief since 2003, and in 2007, the patrol was recognized by the International Association of Police Chiefs as having among the best overall traffic-safety programs in the United States.
Trostel said he was honored to "pass the flag of leadership, this sacred trust," to Wolfinbarger. "I know the Colorado State Patrol in in good hands."
An avid horseman, Trostel now plans to spend more time riding and going fishing with a son who is preparing to go off to college.
Wolfinbarger, a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, was promoted to captain in 2001, to major in 2004, and lieutenant colonel in 2007.
patrol's "buckle up" program.
He also is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
At today's ceremony, his two sons, Dalton, 10, and Peyton, 7, excitedly unpinned their father's old badge as he looked down on the them and smiled. His wife, Gina, proudly pinned the chief's badge on her husband's uniform.
Wolfinbarger thanked his family, friends and colleagues for their support as he worked and rose through the ranks.
"I am extremely honored to have been selected to serve as the chief of the Colorado State Patrol," Wolfinbarger said. "As the patrol is recognized as one of the finest law-enforcement agencies in the nation, I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent and lead the men and women of the patrol."
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
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