SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today made the following statement in response to the announced retirement of California Highway Patrol Commissioner Dwight "Spike" Helmick.

"CHP Commissioner Spike Helmick is one of the finest public servants I've known in my 20 years of government service. His leadership at the California Highway Patrol and his commitment to the safety of all Californians has been deeply appreciated by public officials, rank and file CHP officers and average citizens of this state for more than three decades.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Commissioner Helmick on programs to reduce drunk driving in California and on making roads safer along California's Central Coast. I have always greatly valued his selfless dedication to public service and his friendship.

"He will be greatly missed as one of California's public safety leaders."