Colonel W. Fletcher Clay Retiring from the Highway Patrol

 

Colonel W. Fletcher Clay today announced he is retiring from the Highway Patrol on July 1st. Governor Mike Easley promoted Colonel Clay in June 2004 making him the 22nd commander of the highway patrol.

In a statement released to Highway Patrol employees today Clay stated:

 I have decided to retire July 1st of this year. I want you all to know how much I truly appreciate your hard work and dedication to highway safety. I know all the success and recognition we received during my tenure is directly attributed to each of you. It is my distinct honor to have served as your patrol commander and I appreciate the support you have provided me during the past four years.

“Colonel Clay's important and lasting service to the citizens of North Carolina has been his leadership in the patrol's motor carrier enforcement efforts and his leadership in interoperable communications. Since 2004 the Patrol's motor carrier enforcement activities have been the highest in the history of highway safety in North Carolina and all first responders have the technology available to communicate with one another,” said Bryan Beatty Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.” He has served the citizens of North Carolina honorably and his commitment to highway safety has made a difference on our highways.”

Clay, a resident of Wake County, has served on the Highway Patrol since 1979 when he was first assigned to Troop C, District III in Raleigh. He was promoted to sergeant in 1990, first sergeant in 1993, lieutenant in 1996, captain in 1999 and major in 2002. Clay earned his associate's degree in criminal justice from Davidson County Community College and is a 1991 graduate of the Administrative Officers' Management Program at N.C. State University. In 1988, the Raleigh Jaycees named him “Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer.”

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol was created in 1929 and its primary mission is to reduce collisions and make the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible. The NCSHP now employs 1,820 Troopers to cover more than 78,000 miles of North Carolina roadways.