LANCASTER, MOORE NAMED TO COMMAND SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL, STATE TRANSPORT POLICE

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces that F.K. “Kenny” Lancaster Jr. and Napoleon “Nick” Moore have been chosen to command the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State Transport Police, both of which are divisions of SCDPS.

Mark Keel, SCDPS Director said the selections were made, “as a result of extensive studies of the Highway Patrol and Transport Police mission statements, coupled with a thorough examination of the qualified candidates and after much thought and prayer.

“Upon my arrival at DPS,” Keel added, “I pledged that I would be searching diligently for candidates who would encompass the same values, ideals and goals that I have. I am confident that Colonel Lancaster and Colonel Moore meet those requirements. They fully understand the troubling budgetary times we are facing and more importantly, the law enforcement image issues which we must constantly strive to improve.”

Lancaster, 41,a second-generation Highway Patrol Trooper, is a 20-year veteran of the Highway Patrol. His most recent assignment was Major in charge of Field Operations for the Lower State.

Moore, 46, who joined the Highway Patrol in 1984, transferred to STP in 1994. In October 2006, Moore was promoted to Major and served as second in command to then-Col. Ana Amos. He was named Interim Deputy Director of STP in May when Col. Amos retired.

Keel added, “I believe Colonel Lancaster has the necessary experience and leadership skills to bring about the restoration of public trust in the Highway Patrol. I trust that he will promptly address problems as they arise and that he also will be quick to recognize good work with similar enthusiasm.

“I am confident that he (Lancaster) understands the magnitude of his responsibilities,” Keel said.

Keel pointed out that in Moore’s 25 years of law enforcement; he has played “a pivotal role in the current success of STP.” That experience combined with his recent service as interim deputy director should provide the impetus for “propelling STP to the next level,” Keel said. “Colonel Moore has presented me with several goals for the division and I look forward to seeing those come to fruition.”

A native of Cheraw, SC, Moore lives in Columbia. The father of two sons and a daughter, Moore is a member of First Northeast Baptist Church. He graduated from Cheraw High School in 1980 and attended Benedict College. He began his law enforcement career with the Chesterfield Sheriff’s Department.

In 1988, Lancaster joined the Highway Patrol and was assigned to Beaufort County. Since then he has moved through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, commanding officer of the Patrol’s Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team. In 2007, he was promoted to Major and placed in command of the Region Two Field Operations.

A 2007 graduate of St Leo University with a Criminal Justice degree, Lancaster also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church. He is married to Beth Lancaster and they have three children.

The State Transport Police was created in 1993 as part of state government restructuring. STP works closely with the Highway Patrol, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other state and federal law enforcement agencies helping to keep our highways safe. State Transport Police officers receive some of the most specialized training in law enforcement on state and federal laws regulating motor carriers and use some of the most sophisticated technology available.

The mission of the South Carolina Highway Patrol is to provide equitable service and protection, uphold the laws of the constitutions of the United States and the State of South Carolina in order to promote a safe and secure environment for the public.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, Office of Highway Safety, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services and Office of Justice Programs. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.

SCDPS Director Mark Keel presents a Colonel’s badge to Napoleon “Nick” Moore after naming Moore commanding officer of the State Transport Police.

SCDPS Director Mark Keel presents a Colonel’s badge to F.K. “Kenny” Lancaster after naming him commanding officer of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Lancaster

Moore