FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2002
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

LANCE CPL. KELLEY HUGHES NAMED DPS COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR, DISTRICT ONE TROOPER OF THE YEAR

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today presented Lance Cpl. Kelley Hughes with the DPS Commissioned Officer of the Year award and the Highway Patrol’s District One Trooper of the Year award at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. District One includes Aiken, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter Counties.

Hughes joined the Highway Patrol in 1990 and was assigned to Aiken County. He transferred to Lexington County in 1992 and remained there until 2000, when he assumed the duties of Highway Patrol District One Community Relations Officer.

"Lance Cpl. Hughes consistently demonstrates dedication and commitment in the performance of his daily duties," said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Kelley. "He exemplifies professionalism in every endeavor he undertakes, whether it is speaking with the media or presenting a safety program to a class of elementary school students."

Hughes, a Columbia native, resides in Lexington with his wife, Tammy. They have two children, Bradley, 7, and Amanda, 3, and attend Congaree Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Midlands Technical College with a degree in criminal justice. Hughes is a member of the South Carolina Troopers Association, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association and the Lexington County Law Enforcement Officers Association.

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JB/42/2002

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