FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2009

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

SC HIGHWAY PATROL ANNOUNCES NEW CAPTAINS IN TROOPS ONE, TWO AND FIVE

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol announced the promotion of three captains today in the Midlands, Greenwood area, and the Pee Dee Region.

The three critical positions were recently vacated by a retirement and the promotions of two former captains to Highway Patrol Headquarters.

Clifton B. Hughes, of Lexington, was promoted to captain in Troop One. Mark Gosnell, of Prosperity, was promoted to captain in Troop Two. Jo-Nathan Nell, of Florence, was promoted to captain in Troop Five. The Highway Patrol is divided into seven Troops or regions. Troop captains serve as the commander of their regions.

“I am pleased to announce the names of these fine troopers to fill these positions,” said Highway Patrol Colonel Kenny Lancaster Jr. “They are three seasoned Highway Patrol professionals who know and love the communities where they will serve. They have a strong commitment to reducing highway fatalities and collisions and continuing to find innovative ways to make their communities safer.”

Captain Hughes is a native of Anderson County where he attended Westside High School. He joined the Highway Patrol in 1988 with his first assignment in Richland County where he has spent his entire Patrol career, rising through the ranks to become lieutenant helping oversee operations in the Midlands’ area.

Capt. Gosnell is a native of Spartanburg County where he began his law enforcement career with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. He has been with the Highway Patrol since 1983. After joining the Highway Patrol, he worked in the size and weight unit focusing on commercial motor vehicle traffic enforcement. Gosnell was promoted to enforcement positions in Richland and Newberry counties. Additionally, he worked as a corporal in Highway Patrol Training, a first sergeant in Emergency Management and most recently served as a lieutenant in Highway Patrol Training.  

Gosnell graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. He also has an associate of arts degree from North Greenville Junior College and is  a graduate of Chapman High School in Inman.

Capt. Nell has been with the Highway Patrol since 1985 with his first assignment in Marion County. He is a native of Charleston. He was promoted to corporal in 1993 with assignment in Orangeburg County. He went back to Marion County as a sergeant in 1994 and then to Florence County in 1995. Nell served as the public information officer for Troop Five from 1997 to 2000. In 2005, he was promoted to lieutenant in the Pee Dee area.

Nell attended both Presbyterian College and The Citadel. He is a graduate of Bishop England High School in Charleston.

The promotions are effective immediately.