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

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today named Trooper First Class Ronald Glenn Elliott II as the Highway Patrol’s Trooper of the Year as well as District Six Trooper of the Year at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

District Six includes Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties.

Elliott has been with the Highway Patrol for nearly three years. He began his career with the Highway Patrol in Newberry County and later transferred to his current duty station in Berkeley County. He is radar certified and a certified datamaster operator. He attended Trident Technical College.

On May 4, 2001, Elliott stopped a vehicle for speeding in rural Berkeley County. The violator, who has an extensive police record, attempted to flee but lost control of his vehicle and collided into a tree. The car burst into flames. Elliott arrived and attempted to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful in bringing the blaze under control. Elliott, assisted by a nearby resident, then reached into the burning car and pulled the man to safety. Elliott was unharmed. The violator was hospitalized with burns but survived the crash.

"TFC Elliott’s actions on May 4 were heroic and selfless," said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Kelley. "He placed himself in harm’s way to save that man’s life. He is the personification of an excellent trooper."

Elliott currently resides in North Charleston.

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SI/49/2002

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