Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Erik Smith, has announced Lieutenant Christopher “Chris” Woods has been promoted to Captain. He will serve as the Troop H Commander, overseeing 16 counties in southeast Kansas.
Woods joined the Patrol on July 9, 2008, as a member of Class #48. After graduating from the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy, he was assigned to his first duty station in Allen County, Troop H. He was promoted to Master Trooper in 2013 and to Lieutenant in 2021, a position he held until his recent promotion.
In addition to his primary duties, Woods served on the Traffic Stop Team from 2015 to 2020, as a recruit class coach in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, and as a field training officer from 2014 to 2021. Additionally, he received a Lifesaving Award in 2015 for actions which saved a life.
A native of Humboldt, Kansas, Woods is a graduate of Humboldt High School. He attended Allen Community College and Pittsburg State University, where he earned a degree in justice studies and psychology. Prior to joining the Patrol, he served with the Springfield Police Department in Springfield, Missouri, and the Pittsburg Police Department in Pittsburg, Kansas. Outside of work, Woods enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
The Patrol congratulates Captain Woods on his promotion and wishes him the best in this position.
