Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Board of Public Safety unanimously voted Thursday to approve Lt. Colonel William “Billy” Hitchens to serve as the next Department of Public Safety Commissioner and Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol, effective October 1.
The announcement comes after Colonel Chris Wright retired from the role.
“On behalf of all Georgians, Marty, the girls, and I want to thank Colonel Wright for the incredible job he has done as head of the Department of Public Safety,” Governor Kemp said. “During times of civil unrest and the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Colonel Wright demonstrated resilience, foresight, and strength that has led to reductions in crime and safer communities all across Georgia. He has led as he served – with distinction – and we wish him and his family well in this next chapter.”
Lt. Colonel William “Billy” Hitchens, previously served as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety.
"Keeping Georgians safe will always be my top priority. My entire family is thankful we will continue to have great leadership at the Department of Public Safety and overseeing the Georgia State Patrol,” Governor Kemp said. “As someone who has dedicated his career to this agency, Marty, the girls, and I are grateful for Lt. Colonel Hitchens’ willingness to step into this new role. We’re also thankful for Major Lowe and Lt. Colonel Lamb’s further service. All three of these men are dedicated to the job, to setting high standards for our state law enforcement, and most of all to protecting their fellow Georgians. We are thankful for that ongoing commitment and for the sacrifices of their families.”
Major Kendrick Lowe will serve as Lt. Colonel of the GSP and Deputy Commissioner for DPS, effective October 1 the board announced.
Joshua Lamb will continue serving as a member of the senior DPS leadership team and will be promoted to Assistant Commissioner.
