GSP Commander Announces Retirement

(ATLANTA) - Colonel George Ellis, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety and Commander of the Georgia State Patrol, announced Tuesday that he will be retiring on December 31.  Colonel Ellis was appointed Director of the Georgia State Patrol in July, 2000 and was named Commissioner of the Department in January, 2003.  He will be retiring with 34 years of service credit.

            “It has been my pleasure to serve the people of this great state for many years,” Colonel Ellis said.  “I am grateful to Governor Perdue for allowing me to continue to serve as Commissioner in his administration.”  Colonel Ellis said he will be available to assist with a smooth transition once his replacement is named by Governor Perdue.

            He began his law enforcement career in 1969 as a Radio Operator in Milledgeville at the Milledgeville Police Department.  He later became a patrolman with the Central State Hospital Police and from there a police officer with the Statesboro City Police.

            Colonel Ellis began his career with the Georgia State Patrol in 1973 as a Radio Operator at Post #8 Madison.  After graduating from the 47th Trooper School, he was assigned to Post #45 Statesboro and remained there for nine years where he was promoted through the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant.  After his promotion to Sergeant First Class, he transferred to Post #17 Washington where he served as Post Commander from 1984 – 1987.  From there, he was promoted to First Lieutenant and became the Assistant Troop B Commander in Athens, Georgia.  His next promotion was to Captain and Troop B Commander where he oversaw the operation of Georgia State Patrol Posts in Gainesville, Toccoa, Blue Ridge, Cumming and Athens.

            Colonel Ellis has an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Georgia Military College, a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern College, a Masters Degree in Justice Administration from Columbus State University and is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College.

            Commissioner Ellis and his wife Judy live in Watkinsville and they have two children.

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