S.C. Highway Patrol graduates 40 new troopers

The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced the graduation of 40 troopers from Highway Patrol Basic Class 95 Thursday. Gov. Nikki Haley addressed the graduates, as she has for the past seven Highway Patrol graduation ceremonies.

Haley told graduates that when they wear the uniform, they represent “everything we hold dear.”

“Our troopers get this. It is about the people. It is about serving. It is about doing what is right,” Gov. Haley told the graduates. “Over 900 people applied, and 40 of you made it. Don’t waste that. It is too precious. Enjoy this moment. Soak it in; you have earned it.”

Basic 95 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 782. An additional 39 troopers will report to the Academy on January 23 to begin the 96^th Basic Class.

The 95^th class began training in July and graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy on October 31. They continued with specialized training from the Highway Patrol in all areas of law enforcement.  The SCHP Basic Training Program consists of 21 weeks of extensive law enforcement training in-residence. After graduation, Troopers must complete additional field training: a minimum of six to eight weeks of field training.

“People in communities and counties around South Carolina anticipate the arrival of this outstanding class of new troopers who will enhance safety on our roadways,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “This group has received the very best training, and today they make us proud.”

Troopers are assigned to areas based upon population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area. The troopers from Basic 95 are designated to the counties found in the link below, along with their home counties and photos.

“These past 21 weeks, you have learned the Highway Patrol Core Values: Selfless Service, Integrity, Responsibility,” said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Oliver. “Now, it is time to put those core values into practice — sometimes under difficult and dangerous conditions. The life of a state trooper is demanding but equally rewarding.”

Each graduation, the Patrol presents distinguished awards to outstanding troopers from each class. The winners from the 95th class include:

• 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: John C. Seigler, Home County: Richland; Assignment: Richland.
• Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training: Aaron S. Cobb, Home County: Spartanburg; Assignment: Charleston/Berkeley.

• 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. Blake J. Cornelius, Home County: Kershaw; Assignment: Chester/Fairfield

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors. www.scdps.gov