COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held graduation ceremonies for 54 SC Highway Patrol troopers from Highway Patrol Basic Classes 107, 108 and 109.
USC Women’s Head Basketball Coach Dawn Staley was the keynote speaker. She thanked the graduates for choosing the law enforcement profession and wished them success and safety throughout their careers.
“I always remember this … someone told me this: Some people may say and do certain things to you but how you respond to them is how you make your reputation and you always want to be a person of great character, great integrity, a person that is a community leader, a person that is one that makes great decisions,” Staley said.
The graduates of Basic 107, 108 and 109 bring the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 807 (including the 54 graduates and 22 troopers in training). Seven of the graduates were prior-certified officers.
People are also reading…
Troopers are assigned to areas based on population, calls for service and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area.
Among the new troopers are two assigned to Troop 7 Post B in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties: Adrian W. Hunter of Ladson and Ryan A. Davis of Barnwell.
SCDPS Director Leroy Smith spoke to the graduates:
“I want to remind you that your families, TEAM DPS, your state, and your communities are so proud of you,” Smith said. “Even in light of the dangers and risks, the time away from families and the many sacrifices you make along the way, we are so grateful that there are people like you – ready and willing – to yield to a higher call to serve and protect.”
SCHP Col. Chris Williamson reminded graduates of SCHP’s core values: Selfless Service. Integrity. Responsibility. “I know today is full of excitement and nervous energy, but I ask you to pause for a moment, and I want to challenge each of you to reflect on what it means to commit yourself to this chosen profession,” Williamson said. “Ask yourself today why you yielded to this particular calling – a road that few are courageous enough to follow. How do you use your power to serve the greater good; and what does it mean to make a difference every day you put on this uniform?”