On September 23, 1935, 44 men selected from a pool of over 7,500 applicants began six-weeks of intensive training at Camp George West, which is located in Golden, Colorado, pursuant to the Colorado Courtesy Highway Patrol Act enacted August 10, 1935. Opposition to the agency was strong at that time. The idea of creating a state‐wide law enforcement agency with broad authority did not sit well with the public and particularly members of organized labor groups. To sooth public apprehensions, the legislature carefully outlined the powers of troopers in the Patrol Act specifying that “their primary duty to promote safety, protect human life, and preserve the highways of this state by the courteous and strict enforcement of the laws and regulations of this state relating to highways and the traffic on such highways.”

Over the past 80 years, the Colorado State Patrol has grown from the original 44 troopers to now over 1100 employees, both uniformed and civilian, who work together in accomplishing its mission. The Colorado State Patrol has been commanded by eight different Chiefs and has been successful in changing and undertaking additional assignments such as: assuming responsibility of the protection of the Governor and first family, the Capitol Building and Capitol Complex; taking the lead in the Office of Preparedness, Security and Fire Safety; establishing a unit to combat human smuggling and trafficking; and providing security and support during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado and other large scale events.

The Colorado State Patrol is celebrating  80 years of service to the citizens of Colorado!