FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

HIGHWAY PATROL DISTRICT SIX TROOPER OF THE YEAR

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

Hardee joined the Highway Patrol in 1991 assigned to Colleton County. He has received special training in a number of areas including Accident and Scene Reconstruction and Drug Detection. He is also certified in the use of Data Master, Radar and Mustang/Camaro. He also serves as a field training officer for trooper trainees. He has consistently been a leader in enforcement activity.

On September 14, 1999, Hardee was seriously injured while on duty. He was attempting to stop a motorcycle travelling well above the posted speed limit. The driver refused to stop and Hardee became involved in a chase that ended in a crash. Hardee was airlifted to the hospital where his long recovery began. As soon as he was released from the doctor’s care, he came back to work.

"L/Cpl. Hardee is a dedicated officer who often goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist the community, his fellow officers and supervisors," said Col. Ralph Mobley. "His quick return to work after being seriously injured shows how dedicated he is to his job as a trooper."

Hardee and his wife, Amy, have one son, Robert Tyler, and attend First Baptist Church in Walterboro. Hardee also does community work with the elderly.

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SI/20/01

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