SC Highway Patrol Names 2021 Trooper of the Year, Telecommunications Operator of the Year

For Immediate Release
April 8, 2022
Contact: Your local CRO, 803-896-8144

Media: All photos and narratives can be found here: SCHP 2021 Trooper Of the Year | SCDPS. Ceremony photos are available on the SCDPS Facebook page and the SCDPS Flickr account. 

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety named its 2021 Trooper of the Year and Telecommunications Operator (TCO) of the Year today. The winners were chosen from regional winners across the state. This year’s Statewide Trooper of the Year was Master Trooper David G. Jones, Troop One/Midlands Community Relations Officer. He was recognized for saving a child who had fallen into a swimming pool.

TCO Chelsie Cribb and TCO Jessica Wiebalk, of the Charleston Telecommunications Center, were chosen as the Telecommunications Operator of the Year from among four regional Telecommunications Centers for their assistance to troopers during the apprehension of suspects involved in several vehicle thefts.  

“The troopers who were honored today made a split-second decision that saved a life; put in the extra time to help solve a case; or went the extra mile to make South Carolina’s roadways safer,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV said. “We were also proud to honor our outstanding Telecommunications Operators who serve as a crucial link between troopers and the motoring public.”

Col. Christopher Williamson, Commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol, said: 

“By putting the needs of others above their own, these troopers embody the true meaning of being a public servant. When someone calls for help, our Telecommunications Operators are their first point of contact with the Highway Patrol, keeping these callers calm while obtaining vital details so the troopers can better assist them. Each is an integral part of our mission to reduce collisions and fatalities on South Carolina’s roadways.”

2021 Statewide Trooper of the Year

Troop winners: SCHP 2021 Trooper Of the Year | SCDPS (read the winner narratives)

• Troop 1, Post B (Kershaw/Lee): Trooper T.A. Johnson
• Troop 2, Post A (Laurens/Newberry): L/Cpl. R.G. “Rob” Chase
• Troop 3, Post D (Spartanburg): L/Cpl. J.M. Gardner
• Troop 4, Post B (York): L/Cpl. D.A. Bunch
• Troop 5, Post C (Georgetown/Williamsburg): L/Cpl. A.J. Marshall
• Troop 6, Post A (Berkeley/Charleston): Trooper H.L. Green
• Troop 7, Post B (Calhoun/Orangeburg): Trooper First Class J.J. Richardson
• Troop 8, Region 1 (Safety Improvement Team): Master Trooper J.L. Baldwin
• Troop 9, Post C (Coastal MAIT): L/Cpl. N.R. Everhart
• Troop 10 (Community Relations, Recruiting and Employment Unit): Master Trooper D.G. Jones

2021 Statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year Winner (chosen from four regional Telecommunications Centers): Co-recipients: Chelsie Cribb and Jessica Wiebalk, Charleston Telecommunications Center

Regional Telecommunications Center Winners: SCHP 2021 Trooper Of the Year | SCDPS (read winner narratives)

• Blythewood Telecommunications Center: TCO Taurean Kinard
• Florence Telecommunications Center: Assistant Telecommunications Supervisor Carl DeVault
• Charleston Telecommunications Center: TCO Chelsie Cribb and TCO Jessica Wiebalk
• Greenville Telecommunications Center: TCO April Smith (not pictured)

Director’s Distinguished Service Awards

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.