The second-in-command of the Rhode Island State Police, Lt. Col. Todd E. Catlow, will retire on Friday, about six months before he reaches his 25-year term limit.

Catlow confirmed that his last day will be Friday and declined to comment further on his decision.

News of the lieutenant colonel’s retirement comes on the heels Col. Steven G. O’Donnell’s retirement announcement last week.

The state police website identifies Catlow as a 24-year veteran of the state police whose responsibilities include oversight of the division’s patrol bureau.

Catlow had also overseen the organization’s information handling unit, known as the fusion center.

O’Donnell said that he would not comment on Catlow’s decision to retire at this time, but he did observe that Catlow is expected to hit his term limit early next year.

By statute, he said, the members of the academy class of 1992 must retire by the end of March.

"He’s a seasoned veteran," O’Donnell said. Catlow’s career has "run the the gamut," from top command positions to a key role in an investigation of former Gov. Edward D. DiPrete.

Catlow is a certified public accountant who holds a master's degree in taxation.

He served in each of the state police patrol barracks. He worked in the detective bureau for 13 years. He also commanded the bureau.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2012, to major in the spring of 2014 and to lieutenant colonel in the fall of 2014.

O'Donnell's last day is Sept. 23.

Lt. Col. Kevin M. Barry, who has served as commander of the Department of Public Safety, is slated to become acting superintendent of the state police.

—mreynold@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7490

On Twitter: @mrkrynlds

CORRECTION: Catlow was in the training academy class of 1992. The year of his class was misstated in an earlier version of this story.