MEDIA: Photos from today’s ceremony can be found in the SCDPS online photo album here.

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety mourned the death of South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks as he was laid to rest today in Columbia. The funeral services were held at Shandon Baptist Church.

TFC Ricks died on August 13, nearly four days after being struck by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County. He is the 52nd Highway Patrol trooper to lose his life while serving the state of South Carolina.

“It is with heavy hearts that we gather today to remember our friend and trooper, Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. “Ricks passing is a tragic loss for his family, his friends, and the law enforcement community as a whole. We are humbly grateful for the opportunity to come together today with those closest to him to remember his life and honor his service.”

Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dennis had a heart for service and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He graduated from West Florence High School in Florence, SC, and went on to attend Florence-Darlington Technical College and the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He began his career with the Highway Patrol in 2023 and was assigned to SC Highway Patrol Troop 7, Post B, where he patrolled the highways of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

Along with hundreds of law enforcement officers and first responders from South Carolina, troopers from several Highway Patrols from as far away as California came to pay their respects.

SC Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson addressed the attendees with a reminder of Ricks’ service and sacrifice:

“Today’s ceremony is a solemn reminder that this job is marked by sacrifice. Whether big or small, these sacrifices begin the day we put on this uniform. Trooper First Class Ricks knew that and yet, he woke up every day and answered the call to serve so that he could make a better life for himself, his family, and his community. Although we can never repay him for his service, we hope those of you with us today take some comfort that we will always remember and honor him.”

Ricks is survived by his loving wife, Jade Michelle Riley Ricks; his mother, Dr. Traesa Brown; his grandparents, Bonnie David and Barbara Brown; his parents-in-law, Amanda Brayboy and Michael Riley; his brother-in-law, Bryce Brayboy; his sister-in-laws, McKenzie Brayboy and Nayeli Mondragon; and his niece, Noelani "Noel" Brayboy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the online memorial fund established by Serve and Connect. As of the release of this statement, more than $36,000 has been raised to support the Ricks family. If you would like to learn more, please visit this webpage.

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.