Friday, Jul 22, 2022
For Immediate Release
July 22, 2022
Contact: Corporal Matthew Goff, 803-260-8504
COLUMBIA —The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced its 2021 State Transport Police (STP) Officer of the Year on Friday, July 22, 2022. A division of DPS, the State Transport Police is primarily responsible for enforcing state and federal laws governing commercial motor vehicle traffic.
“Our State Transport Police fill a critical role in highway safety by ensuring commercial motor vehicles are inspected properly and operate safely on our roadways,” said SCDPS Robert G. Woods, IV. “It is an honor to recognize these exceptional officers and their service to South Carolina.”
Colonel Dean Dill, commander of the State Transport Police, recognized six region-wide winners for the exceptional work they accomplished in 2021.
“Each day our officers are out there serving our communities and doing their part to keep our highways safe,” said Dill. “This ceremony is a great opportunity to recognize those who have consistently performed well above expectations. I am proud of the work they do and I appreciate their commitment to the mission.”
The region-wide winners included:
Region 1 (Columbia area): Officer First Class S.A. Brock
Region 2 (Greenwood area): Lance Corporal M.A. O'Dell
Region 3 (Greenville area): Lance Corporal C.J. Holcombe
Region 4 (Rock Hill area): Officer First Class P.R. Kirk (Photo not available)
Region 5 (Florence area): Lance Corporal C.S. Alexander
Region 6 (Charleston area): Master Officer B.R. Deweese
One overall winner was selected as the 2021 STP Officer of the Year. Congratulations to Lance Corporal C.J. Holcombe!
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.
Monday, Nov 2, 2026
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.*
Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2026
Contact: Kyle McGahee, Office of Public Affairs - 803-896-8747
Media: Photos from today's ceremony can be found in the online photo album here.
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.
Monday, Oct 26, 2026
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.*
Monday, Oct 19, 2026
For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2026
Contact: SCDE Communications
communications@ed.sc.gov
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.