MEDIA: Photos from the promotions ceremony can be found in the SCDPS online photo album. 

COLUMBIA – SC Department of Public Safety Director Robert G. Woods IV has named a new Bureau of Protective Services commander, in conjunction with two command staff promotions. 

Dwayne G. Brunson, a nearly 27-year veteran of BPS, was chosen to succeed Chief Matthew Calhoun, who will retire in August with more than 26 years of service to the state. 

“I want to thank Director Woods for his confidence in me, and I accept it with deep gratitude and humility,” said Chief Brunson. “And I want to extend a special thank you to Chief Calhoun, who has paved the way for many of us at BPS. Although myself and the rest of the officers will miss his leadership and direction, I know we are equipped to carry on the legacy that he is leaving behind.” 

Calhoun, who has served as Chief of Police with BPS since June of 2020, announced his resignation effective August 3. He began his law enforcement career with BPS in 1999 and he has held several leadership positions within BPS throughout his career. Calhoun holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the South Carolina Certified Public Manager Program in 2016. Calhoun has accepted a position with the SC House of Representatives’ Sergeant at Arms Office.

Brunson began his service with the Bureau of Protective Services in 1998, and most recently served as the Assistant Chief of Police for BPS at the rank of Major since 2020. Throughout his time with BPS, he has served in operations and administrative roles within BPS. Brunson graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the South Carolina State University. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the South Carolina Certified Public Manager Program in 2018. Brunson and his wife, Cassandra, currently reside in Blythewood with their daughter, Alyssa. 

“While we are sad to say farewell to Chief Calhoun, I have to say that under his leadership and tenure, he has done an exceptional job to prepare his command staff to lead and respond to the demands of the job,” said Woods. “I’ve had the pleasure to see Chief Brunson do the same, and I know he will continue to do great things for the division in his new role.”

Two additional command staff promotions were announced alongside Brunson’s appointment to Chief of Police for the Bureau of Protective Services. 

Shawn T. Crosby was promoted to the rank of Major and named as Assistant Chief of Police for the Bureau of Protective Services to replace Brunson. Crosby began his career with BPS in 1997, most recently serving as Captain of Field Operations since 2020. Crosby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. He also graduated from the South Carolina Certified Public Manager Program in 2020. He and his wife, Becky, currently reside in Gilbert with their two sons, Samuel and Joseph. His parents are retired SCHP Lance Corporal Donald Crosby and Andrea Crosby. 

Darren D. Coleman was promoted to Captain to oversee Field Operations to replace Crosby. Coleman began his career with DPS as a telecommunications operator in 1996, before accepting a position as a BPS officer in 1999. He has most recently served as the lieutenant of Field Operations for BPS since 2020. He and his wife Kimberly, currently reside in Lexington with their two daughters, Kaylee and Kylie. His parents are retired SCHP Major C.I. Coleman (deceased) and Evangeline Coleman.

       Major Shawn T. Crosby                                      Captain Darren D. Coleman

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.