Head of S.D. public safety hanging it up after quarter century in law enforcement

Noem picks FBI agent to succeed Sec. Craig Price

Craig Price

A 26-year career in law enforcement is coming to an end for South Dakota’s top public safety official.

Public Safety Secretary Craig Price is stepping down from his post later this month, the governor’s office announced Wednesday morning.

In a letter informing Gov. Kristi Noem of his planned retirement last month, the veteran state trooper-turned-gubernatorial cabinet member said he’d long planned to hang it up this year. Among the governor’s longest-serving cabinet members, the Redfield native thanked his boss, family and coworkers.

“When I started as a State Trooper in 1997, I just needed a job, and retirement in 2023 seemed light years away. I had no idea how rewarding it would be serving our state every day since,” Price wrote. “Serving on Governor Noem’s cabinet has been the highlight of my career. I have a lot of people to thank, but no one more than my wife of 26 years, Kami, and our two daughters, Remington and Lavin. My career would not have been possible without their absolute support.”

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