Media: All photos and narratives can be found on the SCHP 2024 Trooper of the Year webpage. Ceremony photos are available on the SCDPS online photo album.  

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced its 2024 Trooper of the Year and Telecommunications Operator of the Year (TCO) at a ceremony today. The statewide winners were selected from regional winners across South Carolina. 

SCDPS named Lance Corporal Chase H. Sprott the statewide Trooper of the Year. A member of the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), Lance Corporal Sprott used his investigative skills and innovative thinking to help solve several investigations in 2024. His ability to identify persons of interest, follow up on tedious tasks, and think outside the box helped provide justice for the victims and hold violators accountable. Additionally, his work was vital in assisting the MAIT Unit solve nearly all hit-and-run cases investigated in South Carolina’s coastal counties in 2024. 

Lanette Beasley was named the statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year. Since 2022, TCO Beasley has exhibited dedication and genuine enthusiasm for her job and strives to improve her skills, as well as the skills of her coworkers. As the first Communications Training Operator in the Florence Telecommunications Center, she excels at thoroughly training new TCOs, improving efficiency, accuracy, and team morale. She is also the first to volunteer and assist her team when the need arises. Her telecommunication skills, demeanor, and professionalism have had a tremendous impact on her teammates, the telecommunications center, and the Highway Patrol.

“I am honored and privileged to recognize several of the amazing men and women of the Highway Patrol,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV said. “Whether as a trooper on the road or working dispatch in our telecommunications centers, these outstanding individuals serve as examples of what it means to be a part of South Carolina’s finest. We greatly appreciate their incredible deeds and the sacrifices they make to serve the public.” 

Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol, said:  

“Today is perhaps one of the proudest throughout the year for the South Carolina Highway Patrol as we take time to recognize the accomplishments of a few individuals who through their courage, selfless actions, and hearts of service, truly represent the very best of this agency. And while we acknowledge and honor the work of these outstanding public servants, it is important to remember that they are just a cross section of the remarkable men and women who make the Highway Patrol extraordinary.” 

2024 Statewide Trooper of the Year: Lance Corporal C.H. Sprott 

Troop winners: SCHP 2024 Trooper of the Year | SCDPS (read the winner narratives)

Troop One: Lance Corporal J.M. Hale

Troop Two: Lance Corporal M.L. Clark

Troop Three: Senior Trooper J.L. Grant

Troop Four: Senior Trooper R.A. Lee

Troop Five: Master Trooper W.C. Wilks II

Troop Six: Senior Trooper D. Rivera Figueroa

Troop Seven: Corporal W.C. Lewis and Lance Corporal C.J. Arnold

Troop Eight: Master Trooper T.W. Floyd

Troop Nine: Lance Corporal C.H. Sprott*

Troop Ten: Master Trooper W.H. Bennett

*Overall winner for 2024 Trooper of the Year

2024 Statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year Winner:  Lanette Beasley

Regional Telecommunications Center Winners: SCHP 2024 TCO of the Year webpage (read winner narratives)

ACTS Aviana McMahan, Blythewood TCC

TCO IV Anthony Rowell, Charleston TCC

TCO IV Lanette Beasley, Florence TCC**

TCO April Wooten, Greenville TCC

**Overall winner for 2024 TCO of the Year

Director’s Medal of Valor Award: The highest award bestowed by SCDPS. This award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves by their acts of bravery and courage while taking great personal risks above and beyond the call of duty. This medal may be awarded for acts that occur while the employee is on duty or off duty.

Senior Trooper T.M. McChesney (Troop 1, Post D)

Lance Corporal J.T. Wood (Troop 1, Post C) 

Corporal W.C. Lewis (Troop 7, Post B)

Lance Corporal C.J. Arnold (Troop 7, Post B)

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, 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.