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Lieutenant Colonel Richard Salas is a 28-year veteran with the Colorado State Patrol. He is the commander of the Operational
Services Region which encompasses the Executive Security, Communications, Homeland Security, Special Enforcement Operations and Motor Carrier Safety divisions.

Lieutenant Colonel Salas is a second-generation Colorado native. He was raised in Ft Lupton, Wattenburg and the Denver-Metro Area. Lieutenant Colonel Salas graduated from Holy Family High School in 1973 and attended college at Mesa State, Utah State University and Colorado State University. Lieutenant Colonel Salas and his wife Sunny enjoy two adult children and two grandchildren. His hobbies include woodworking, fishing, hunting, sports and most outdoor activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Salas joined the Colorado State Patrol in 1980 as a Trooper assigned to Frisco. In 1983 he transferred to the Grand Junction troop where he remained for nine years. In 1992 Lieutenant Colonel Salas was promoted to the rank of Technician and assigned to Headquarters in the Hazardous Material Section. In 1995 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Castle Rock Troop and later to the E-470 Detail. Lieutenant Colonel Salas was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1999 serving the Lamar Troop and soon afterwards commanded the Investigative Services Section in Denver Headquarters. In 2003 Lieutenant Colonel Salas was promoted to the rank of Major. His tenure as a Major includes the Colorado State Patrol Academy Director, Commander of the Operational Services Branch and Commander/Director of the Homeland Security Branch. In August of 2006, he was promoted to

Lieutenant Colonel, where he currently serves as the Region Two Commander at Headquarters in Denver.
Lieutenant Colonel Salas has served as a board member on the board of directors of the Association of Colorado State Patrol Professionals, (ACSPP). He also served as the President of the ACSPP during his tenure. He has had the opportunity to serve on various national and international law enforcement committees during his tenure with the Colorado State Patrol. Lieutenant Colonel Salas was certified nationally to provide instruction to law enforcement and emergency response agencies in the area of hazardous material response and enforcement. He is a graduate and elected class president of class #202 of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute's School of Police Staff and Command.