RALEIGH - State Highway Patrol Commander W. Fletcher Clay is retiring July 1, after four years on the job, the patrol said today in a news release.

"I want you all to know how much I truly appreciate your hard work and dedication to highway safety," Clay said in a message to the patrol today. "I know all the success and recognition we received during my tenure is directly attributed to each of you. It is my distinct honor to have served as your patrol commander and I appreciate the support you have provided me during the past four years."

Clay leaves as the patrol is undergoing an extensive outside review of its operations in the wake of scandals involving trooper misconduct. The cases range from a canine sergeant accused of abusing his police dog to a trooper who is facing criminal charges after three Hispanic women said he abducted them in his patrol car in Orange County and attempted to make sexual advances.

The patrol was also battered by a sex scandal involving troopers having extramarital affairs while on duty, though many of those cases happened before Clay became commander.

The review is supposed to be completed in about a month.

The news release made no mention of the trooper troubles playing a role in Clay's retirement.

Clay joined the patrol 1979 and served his entire career in Wake County. The patrol has 1,800 troopers working the state's roads.

Bryan Beatty, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, praised Clay's service to the state. "Colonel Clay's important and lasting service to the citizens of North Carolina has been his leadership in the patrol's motor carrier enforcement efforts and his leadership in interoperable communications," Beatty said in a statement.

"He has served the citizens of North Carolina honorably and his commitment to highway safety has made a difference on our highways."