June 28, 2004
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety named Lance Corporal S.P. Grainger the South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop 6 Trooper of the Year at a June 23 ceremony.
Grainger is currently stationed in Troop 6, Post A (Berkeley/Charleston counties). He joined the Highway Patrol in 1990, stationed in Berkeley County.
In addition to serving as a mentor to junior troopers during his tenure in Berkeley County, L/Cpl. Grainger has also served as a driving instructor for Patrol and basic law enforcement trainees as well as a training officer for newly appointed troopers. One incident that highlights his courage occurred while off duty on June 2, 2003. L/Cpl. Grainger was traveling on U.S. 52, west of Moncks Corner when he noticed a truck with its emergency flashers activated parked on the Tail Race Canal Bridge. He thought he was stopping to assist a disabled motorist but instead found a depressed and disoriented young man who was attempting to jump from the bridge into the turbulent waters below.
He attempted to engage the young man in conversation in hopes of resolving the situation. However, after carefully observing the young man’s body language and hearing his suicidal comments, he realized he needed to act immediately. He lunged forward and grabbed the young man as he attempted to jump over the railing. Catching him by the arm, L/Cpl. Grainger struggled to hold onto him while maintaining his balance on the precarious guard railing. A passing motorist contacted the Moncks Corner Police Department and a Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputy arrived to assist in pulling the man to safety and securing medical attention for him. This act of bravery was only brought to the attention of the L/Cpl. Grainger’s supervisors when a reporter called Troop Headquarters seeking information about the trooper who helped save this young man’s life.
“L/Cpl. Grainger has an unassuming quality and dedication to duty that make him an outstanding officer,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell F. Roark. “In addition to being an excellent law enforcement officer, he has a genuine compassion and concern for motorists and a love for the community he serves.”
Grainger is a Conway native. He currently resides in Moncks Corner with his wife, Patrice, and two children, Cole and Logan. Grainger serves on the Berkeley County Prevention Board, Association of American Troopers and Fraternal Order of Police. He has also won the Exchange Club of Charleston Trooper of the Year, Masonic Lodge Trooper of the Year and State Senate Trooper of the Year.
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