June 28, 2004
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety named Trooper First Class Darren G. Wilson the South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year at a June 23 ceremony. TFC Wilson was chosen from among eight nominees to receive the Trooper of the Year award for his courageous actions in December when he apprehended the suspect that shot his supervisor, Sgt. James Sinkler, in the line of duty.
Wilson recently joined the ACE Interdiction Unit of the Highway Patrol. At the time of his nomination, he was part of Troop 1, which includes Kershaw, Lee, Richland, Lexington, Clarendon and Sumter counties. Wilson joined the Highway Patrol in 2002.
During his short time as a trooper, TFC Wilson has routinely distinguished himself as conscientious and dependable in the performance of his duties. One example of his courage occurred this past December when he heard an urgent radio broadcast from his supervisor, Sgt. James Sinkler. Sgt. Sinkler had been shot while conducting a traffic stop on Springvale Road in Kershaw County.
Trooper Wilson was only a mile from Sgt. Sinkler and responded immediately to assist him. Shortly after arriving on the scene, he was confronted by an armed suspect who had already shot Sgt. Sinkler in the hand and chest. TFC Wilson fired at the suspect several times, wounding him and neutralizing the threat. He was then able to disarm the suspect. As soon as the scene was secured, he turned his attention to Sgt. Sinkler and assisted him until medical help arrived. TFC Wilson is well-respected by his supervisors with the Patrol and in his community.
“TFC Wilson’s excellent judgment and decisive action likely saved Sgt. Sinkler’s life and his own,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “We are proud of him and deeply grateful for his heroism that night.”
Wilson began his law enforcement career with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office where he served from 1997-2002 when he joined the Patrol. He has also served in the U.S. Army National Guard since 1993.
Wilson, a native of Clarendon County, attended East Clarendon High School in Turbeville and Central Carolina College. He and his wife and five children currently reside in Clarendon County.
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