Oklahoma Highway Patrol chief preparing for retirement

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gary Adams says he got to know Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers growing up in Hobart because he liked to speed a bit too much. That didn't keep him from becoming the patrol's

Sunday, August 28th 2005, 11:30 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gary Adams says he got to know Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers growing up in Hobart because he liked to speed a bit too much. That didn't keep him from becoming the patrol's chief once he grew up.

But after 37 years working for the highway patrol, Adams is planning to retire in May. He joined the patrol after serving five years in the Marines, including 18 months in Vietnam.

He was hired as a trooper after his father kicked him out of his auto repair shop, and he's been with the patrol ever since.

He took over as chief in 1997, and says he's proud of the integrity and character of the people he works with.

After he retires, Adams says he plans to spend more time with his wife, son and two daughters and work more with church charities.