MEDIA: Photos for this story can be found in the SCDPS online photo album here.

COLUMBIA – In the years since the tragic death of their state trooper son in 2002, Salvatore and Lois Rao have turned their grief into purpose by honoring fallen officers, advocating for those who still wear the badge, and supporting the law enforcement community in South Carolina and beyond. To honor that service, Governor McMaster awarded the Raos the Order of the Palmetto. 

“Salvatore and Lois Rao have shown us all what resilience, compassion and dedication look like,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “They have taken their grief and turned it into a lifetime of support for the law enforcement community, honoring the memory of their son and lifting up the families of others who have faced similar tragedies. By presenting them with the Order of the Palmetto, we recognize their service and also the example they have set for others.”

Established in 1971 and first presented by Governor John C. West, the Order of the Palmetto is the state’s highest civilian honor, awarded by the governor in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a statewide or national scale. Recipients must be civilian citizens who demonstrate upstanding character, exhibited by a lifetime of achievement and service to the state of South Carolina.

“For years now, the Raos have been a vital part of our family here at DPS,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. “I have seen firsthand just how much love and devotion they have for others. The support system they have cultivated for families of fallen troopers is beyond inspiring and it was my honor to nominate them to receive this prestigious award.”

South Carolina Highway Patrol Senior Trooper Michael Rao was struck by a vehicle in June 2002, while assisting a family whose van had broken down on the shoulder of Interstate 95 in Clarendon County. He died two days later at the age of 33.

In the months following their son’s death, Salvatore and Lois began attending memorial ceremonies and events hosted by the Carolina chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S., a nonprofit that helps the survivors and loved ones of a fallen officer rebuild their lives after a line-of-duty death. From retreats and conferences, to National Police Week festivities every May, the Raos found community and camaraderie with the families of other fallen officers.

When not participating in C.O.P.S. events, the Raos are hard at work in South Carolina, where they remain dedicated to commemorating South Carolina’s 51 fallen troopers while continuing to support their families. They play a crucial role in organizing the Highway Patrol’s annual Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance, and act as liaisons for the surviving family members.

“Even after all the hardship they have endured with the loss of their son, the Raos continue to serve and uplift our troopers and their loved ones,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. “It’s a pleasure to see them receive the recognition they so deeply deserve.”

Along with honoring the fallen, the Raos have worked tirelessly for decades to advocate for the men and women who continue to serve in law enforcement. They testified before the South Carolina Senate Finance Committee in 2003 to help ensure that families of fallen officers not only receive a free year of coverage under the State Health Plan, but also are able to continue their coverage at the same rate per month indefinitely. They also lobbied for a “Blue Alert” system, which created a rapid notification system to alert law enforcement and the public whenever an officer is killed, injured, or abducted in the line of duty.

“We know that Mike is looking down on us today and is proud of what we are doing in his memory,” Lois Rao said.  “Mike has led the way all along.”

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.