George Brauchler DA Podcast #11: Meet Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard

Welcome to the George Brauchler DA Podcast — your front-row seat to the world of true crime, seen through the eyes of one of Colorado's most accomplished prosecutors. Today we're joined by a true giant in Colorado law enforcement — literally and figuratively — Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. Standing at 6'10", Chief Packard has spent decades serving and shaping public safety across the state. In this episode, he shares his remarkable journey — from a college accounting major, to leading one of Colorado's most vital law enforcement agencies. We'll explore his passion for policing, his leadership philosophy, and the deeply personal experiences that have shaped his career. Chief Packard also opens up about the heartbreaking loss of Trooper Cody Donahue, who was killed in the line of duty — and how that tragedy led to important changes in Colorado's driving laws. Plus, he recounts the case that still haunts him: a high-speed pursuit of a wrong-way drunk driver that ended in a devastating loss just seconds before he arrived on the scene. You won't want to miss this powerful and revealing conversation. I'm Tom Mustin. Let's dive in and meet Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard.