FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

HIGHWAY PATROL DISTRICT 3 TROOPER OF THE YEAR

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today named L/Cpl. Charles Coggins as the Highway Patrol’s District Three Trooper of the Year at the agency’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

Coggins joined the Highway Patrol in 1990 assigned to Greenwood until 1999 when he transferred to Anderson. Coggins is part of the District Three Aerial Enforcement Team and has been certified in drug interdiction and as a radar instructor. Coggins also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years until 1993 as an expert rifleman and ammunition specialist and was on active duty in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield from December 1990 to June 1991.

On March 2, 2000, Coggins further distinguished himself by saving a man from a burning vehicle. The Anderson City Police Department was in pursuit of a murder suspect. The fleeing suspect struck a vehicle from behind, causing the vehicle to burst into flames with the person trapped inside. Coggins witnessed the collision and was the first trooper on the scene. Without hesitation, he worked to free the victim from the vehicle. Officers at the scene said that the young man would likely have not survived without Coggins’ intervention.

"L/Cpl. Coggins has always distinguished himself as a dependable and trustworthy trooper who can be called upon anytime for any assignment," said Highway Patrol Col. Ralph Mobley. "Coggins’ daily work ethic distinguishes him as a courteous, efficient and highly regarded trooper among his peers and the public."

Coggins and his wife, Tammy, have one son. They are members of Mount Airy Baptist Church and reside in the north Anderson area.

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