South Carolina Department of Public Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2010

CONTACT: Sgt. Kelley Hughes, 803-530-1664

HIGHWAY PATROL GRADUATES 44 HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPERS

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced today the graduation of 44 troopers from Basic Class 88. The new troopers will begin work in their assigned posts on June 2, 2010.

This is the first graduating trooper class since December 2008.  This brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 846.  

The troopers began training in January and have been trained by the Highway Patrol and Criminal Justice Academy. Over the past 19 weeks, they have been trained in all areas of law enforcement including DUI detection, traffic laws, collision investigation and the use of firearms.    

The Patrol presents awards to outstanding troopers from each graduating class.  Winners from the 88^th class include: 

·     William M. Lee Jr., Winner of the Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award: for the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol commander. William M. Lee Jr. was also winner of the Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training. (photo attached)

·     Bridget Wyant, Winner of the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award: presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and excelled each day during the early morning exercises. (photo attached)

       ** This is the first time a female has ever won this award.

Attached is a list of graduating troopers, their ages, home counties and assigned counties. Their photos are available to be downloaded from: http://www.schp.org/cro/current_events.html.

Basic 88 Roster

Colonel Lancaster Speech at Graduation

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