Nevada Department of Public Safety Director James Wright announced the appointment of John O’Rourke as Colonel of the Nevada Highway Patrol. O’Rourke has been the NHP Acting Colonel for the past several months and will officially assume the title of Colonel Monday.
Colonel O’Rourke has served for over 20 years with the DPS, joining the Highway Patrol Division in 1995. O’Rourke was the first NHP Trooper to be awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Mountain Pacific Trooper of the Year. He is also a James D. Hoff Meritorious Service Award and Gold Star Medal of Valor recipient. He calls his new assignment, a privilege and honor.