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SCDPS Holds Highway Dedication for Fallen Patrolman Arnold Reo “Buck” Carter

Fri, 01/29/2016

Col. Mike Oliver, Director Smith, Sen. Ronnie A. Sabb with family members of Patrolman Carter

Ms. Lois Carter Hughes (daughter of Patrolman Carter and her children, William C. Jackson and Ms. Denise Branham

First picture: SCHP Col. Mike Oliver and SCDPS Director Leroy Smith, Sen. Ronnie A. Sabb, Dist. 32, with family members L to R: Ms. Lois Carter Hughes (daughter of Patrolman Carter and her children, William C. Jackson and Ms. Denise Branham).

Second picture: Family of Patrolman Carter.

Patrolman Arnold Reo "Buck" Carter
Patrolman Arnold Reo "Buck" Carter

Columbia, SC -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held a highway dedication ceremony today in honor of Patrolman Arnold Reo "Buck" Carter who was killed in the line of duty on June 18, 1956, in Williamsburg County.

Patrolman Carter was on duty in Williamsburg County investigating reports of vehicles racing. Patrolman Carter was standing off the highway when he was struck and killed by one of the racing vehicles. He was a native of Chester County.

Family and friends, SCDPS officials, Williamsburg County Sheriff Dudley Musier, Chief Deputy Stephen Gardner, and Sen. Ronnie A. Sabb attended the ceremony at J.J. Mitcheon Community Building.

"Just as we gather to honor one of our fallen, I also ask that you continue to support and pray for our men and women in uniform – those in law enforcement and those in the military," said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. "We honor our fallen when we continue to show respect and appreciation for those who continue to serve."

"It is vital that each of our troopers understand that we stand together – not only to support each other – but to provide support for each other’s families especially in the face of these tragedies," said Col. Mike Oliver.

The SC Department of Transportation has placed signs on Douglas Road, which has been named the "SCHP Patrolman Arnold Reo "Buck" Carter Highway."

Patrolman Carter joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol in March 1954. He was a 1945 graduate of Great Falls High School and a member of First Baptist Church of Kingstree.

He left behind an extended family and a young daughter. Ms. Lois Carter Hughes, the daughter of Patrolman Carter, attended the ceremony with her daughter, Ms. Denise Branham, and son, William C. Jackson.


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.