SALINA, Kan. — After more than 26 years of service, Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner has announced his retirement.
In a public statement shared this week, Gardner said he has submitted his official notice and plans to conclude his career within the next two weeks. He cited fatigue and the personal challenges of the profession as factors in his decision, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Kansans for more than two decades.
Gardner noted that his focus throughout his career was on service rather than promotion or overtime, emphasizing that his goal was to make a meaningful impact on those around him. He reflected on both the joys and hardships of the role, stating that his years with the patrol brought “pride, laughter, fear, embarrassment, and deep sadness.”
The longtime trooper said that attending his father’s graveside ceremony in Michigan brought clarity about the value of time and the importance of moving forward. While acknowledging the difficulty of leaving, he said he is ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.
Gardner added that in the future he hopes to share more openly about his experiences, particularly the challenges of the past five years leading up to his retirement.
