Additional photos from today’s ceremony will be posted on SCDPS Facebook and Flickr.
SCHP Basic 112 (Note: This photo taken prior to COVID restrictions.)SCHP Basic 113
SCHP Basic 114
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held a graduation ceremony today for 58 SC Highway Patrol troopers from Basic Classes 112, 113 and 114. Only graduates and command staff attended; the ceremony was streamed on the department’s YouTube and Facebook pages for family and friends. There were 15 graduates from Basic 112; 22 graduates from Basic 113 and 21 graduates from Basic 114.
“We have 58 well-prepared law enforcement professionals assigned to communities all over South Carolina ready to focus on their mission of saving lives on the highways,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV. “These three classes have had the distinction of being the first in the Highway Patrol to train and begin policing in the COVID-19 environment, and I am so proud of the way they have risen to the challenge.”
The graduates bring the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 785 (including today’s 58 graduates and an additional 36 troopers in training). Troopers are assigned to areas based on population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area. The troopers from Basic 112, 113 and 114 are assigned to the counties found in the link above.
“As a trooper, you will be a hero as you show compassion to someone who has lost a family member. You will be a role model for young children. Those blue lights will be a welcome sight to a stranded motorist,” Highway Patrol Col. Christopher Williamson told the graduates. “You will have a tremendous impact on the public you serve if you remain consistent, principled and fair.”
Special awards from Basic Classes 112, 113 and 114 include:
Major Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and each day during the early morning exercises.
Basic 112: John D. Moore, Assignment: Troop 3, Post C; Home county/state: Easley, SC.
Basic 113: Melvin N. Rosa, Assignment: Troop 6, Post B; Home state: Tennessee.
Basic 114: Joseph E. Fahland, Assignment: Troop 7, Post A; Home county/state: Barnwell, SC.
Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Presented to the trooper who demonstrated the best marksmanship during firearms training.
Basic 112: William E. Baker, Assignment: Troop 1, Post A; Home county/State: Clarendon Co., SC;
Basic 113: Thomas A. Johnson, Assignment: Troop 1, Post B; Home county/State: Sumter Co., SC;
Basic 114: Anthony B. Fox, Assignment: Troop 5, Post B; Home county/State: Florence Co., SC.
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.
Basic 112: Elena B. Daniele; Assignment: Troop 5, Post D; Home county/state: Horry Co., SC;
Basic 113: Nicholas C. Schaeffer, Assignment: Troop 1, Post C; Home county/state: Richland Co., SC;
Basic 114: Joseph E. Fahland, Assignment, Troop 7, Post C; Home county/state: Barnwell Co., SC.
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.
Columbia — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of six persons killed on South Carolina roadways beginning Friday, October 30, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m.
For additional data on traffic fatalities by county, please view the most recent year-to-date fatality report on our website.*
Columbia — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame held an induction ceremony today to recognize 13 South Carolina law enforcement professionals for their exemplary service to the law enforcement profession.
For Immediate Release October 26, 2026 Contact: Your local Highway Patrol Community Relations Officer, 803-896-8144
Columbia — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of seven persons killed on South Carolina roadways beginning Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, October 25, at 11:59 p.m.
For additional data on traffic fatalities by county, please view the most recent year-to-date fatality report on our website.*
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s education and public safety leaders are joining forces to deliver a critical message to drivers: safe rides for our everyday heroes. One careless decision can change lives forever — and there are no second chances.
