COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Highway Patrol announces the graduation of 62 troopers from its Highway Patrol Basic Class 100 today. Justice John W. Kittredge, associate justice of the SC Supreme Court, spoke to the graduates about service, integrity and commitment. 

“Mediocrity and a professional law enforcement officer do not go together,” Justice Kittredge told the graduating class. “They will soon be parted.  To be successful, a law enforcement officer must exemplify professionalism. The privilege of wearing the badge carries the potential for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that transcends other professions.” 

Basic 100 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 816. Basic 101 will report to the Academy in January. Today’s graduating class began training on July 15 and graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy on October 30. 

An additional 15 prior certified officers joined on October 14. The class 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 a minimum of 400 hours of field training. 

“This class is making history today as our 100th basic class and one of the largest classes we have had in recent memory,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “This is exciting news for these 62 new troopers, for their fellow troopers and the communities around the state that will benefit from their presence.” 

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 100 are designated to the counties found in the link above, along with their Troop assignments and photos. 

“I am so proud to be the commander of our 100th Highway Patrol Basic Class,” said SCHP Col. Mike Oliver. “Wearing the uniform of a state trooper is a tough assignment, but rest assured, today’s trooper is more well-rounded and better-trained than ever before, and that is good news for the communities we serve and for our state as a whole,” said Col. Mike Oliver. 

At each graduation, the Patrol presents distinguished awards to outstanding troopers from the class. The winners from the Basic Class 100 include:

• Winner of the Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award: Timothy R. Matthews; Hometown: Johnson City, TN; Assignment: Troop 2, Post A. For the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol commander.
• Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Jaime L. Edwards; Hometown: Laurens Co.; Area of Assignment: Troop 2, Post B. Presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training.
• Winner of the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Jeffrey M. Hager; Hometown: Greer; Area of Assignment: Troop 3, Post C. presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and excelled each day during the early morning exercises.

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.