SC Highway Patrol Holds Graduation Ceremony, Welcomes 33 New Troopers

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2023
Contact: Your local CRO, 803-896-8144

MEDIA: The following link includes the roster, press release, and individual trooper photos as well as award winners: Highway Patrol Graduating Classes.

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Highway Patrol held a graduation ceremony today for 33 troopers from its Highway Patrol Basic Class 123, with SC Attorney General Alan Wilson as the guest speaker.

This graduating class includes 24 prior-certified officers and 9 who are new to the law enforcement profession. The addition of this graduating class brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 813 (including today’s graduates and 31 troopers currently in training).*

“Today we celebrate these new troopers and their embodiment of dedication, duty, and service,” said Robert G. Woods, IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. “It is my honor to welcome this group, not only the Highway Patrol but to the Department of Public Safety family. It is a privilege to see such fine men and women dedicate themselves to making our highways and communities safer for our state, its citizens and its visitors.”

Troopers are assigned to areas based on a number of considerations, which include population density, the number of calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area. To see where the troopers from Basic 123 are assigned, review the information in the link that includes their Troop assignments and photos: https://scdps.sc.gov/schp/classes.

“Each and every one of you should celebrate today because today we honor the hard work you put in to earn the right to wear the uniform of the Highway Patrol,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. “I am proud to welcome you to the patrol and I am reminding you that as you embark on your new career, the road ahead is as rewarding as it is challenging. Just know that with each challenge comes the opportunity to make a difference, whether to your team, your community, or your state.

Special awards from Basic 123 class 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 123 Recipient: Thomas Hudson       

Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Presented to the trooper who demonstrated the best marksmanship during firearms training.

• Basic 123 Recipient: Pier Petriccione

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 SC Highway Patrol commander.

• Basic 123 Recipient: Jordan Austin

More photos can be found on the DPS Flickr album.

For those interested in joining SCHP, please check out the qualifications to apply at JoinSCHP.com.

* These numbers are current as of 08/17/2023 and do not include any that were hired or resigned after 08/17/2023.

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.