MADISON, Wis. — After more than 3 decades on the job, July 8 marks the final day for Wisconsin State Patrol's highest ranking officer. 

Standing behind his famed Stetson, Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tony Burrell said he is finally ready to hang up his hat.

"Been here 32 years ... to be in law enforcement for that long, for your entire career, it's pretty remarkable," he said about the journey that he began at just 22-years-old. 

The department's historian found a picture of the top trooper as a cadet and shared the black and white photo from the early 90's with him.

"Looking back at this picture again and it's like, 'Wow, who would have thought, right?' So, here I am, 32 years later and I'm running the department," he said with a chuckle about his destiny. He still can't believe he rose through the ranks to become the agency's first Black leader. 

"I'm certainly looking forward to many more to follow and I'm sure there will be many more to come in my footsteps and I'm glad to be able to blaze the trail for them," he said about how he has worked to diversify the ranks.

Superintendent Burrell has also work hard to honor one particular fallen hero. Trooper Trevor Casper died under his watch in a 2015 Fond du Lac bank robbery.  As Trooper Casper's commanding officer, Superintendent Burrell received a medal of valor for his response to the shooting.

The 21-year-old trooper's death remains the youngest police line of duty death of any officer in Wisconsin.

"We remember that young man for the sacrifice that he made," he said about the tragedy.  It is the reason he always wears a special bracelet given to him shortly after the incident. 

"Rarely, rarely have I ever taken it off for any reason.  For me, it symbolizes the hope the strength the valor of what law enforcement is all about," he said.

Superintendent Burrell said this is a career that is always driven by excellence.

"This job is not it's not for the faint of heart. It's not for everyone. It's certainly a calling."

He spoke of the calling filled with compassion and commitment for the community his troopers serve.

But he said he was looking forward to life after law enforcement and to riding his motorcycle and traveling.

"I've been behind the wheel for a long, long time. So, it's an opportunity for me to enjoy the road now," he said.