South Carolina Department of Public Safety
News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2009

CONTACT: L/Cpl. Judd Jones, 803-896-8144

 

SC HIGHWAY PATROL ANNOUNCES NEW CAPTAIN IN TROOP SEVEN

 

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Highway Patrol has announced the promotion of a new captain who will oversee Troop Seven, which includes Orangeburg, Bamberg, Aiken, Barnwell, Calhoun, Allendale and Hampton counties.

 

Clyde T. Stephens of New Ellenton was promoted on Wednesday to lead the area where he has served since 1990.   

 

“Capt. Stephens has dedicated his entire Highway Patrol career to this area of the state,” said Highway Patrol Colonel Kenny Lancaster Jr. “He understands this area well and will be able to make informed decisions about where enforcement is needed most to prevent fatalities and collisions.”

 

Stephens is a native of Chester. His parents, Clyde and Darlene Stephens, continue to reside in the Chester area. His father retired from the Highway Patrol as a lieutenant.

 

“Law enforcement and the Highway Patrol have been a way of life for my family as long as I can remember,” Stephens said. “It is a great honor for me to be asked to lead this area. I am looking forward to the challenge and to working to make this part of the state a safer place for motorists to travel.”

 

Stephens graduated from Chester Senior High School and he has a bachelor of science degree from Winthrop University.  Stephens and his wife, Cheryl, have one son, Jared.  

 

He began his career in 1990. He was promoted to corporal in 2000, sergeant in 2003, first sergeant in 2005 and lieutenant in 2007 – all in Aiken County.

 

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