When Debbie Gillis first applied for a position at the SC Highway Patrol in 2009, she already had four decades of work experience under her belt and only intended to stay a short time. That short time turned into 15 years.
“I really didn’t plan on staying here quite that long,” said Gillis, whose last day was January 2. “But within about three months of starting here, I knew I was, without a doubt, at the right place.”
In 1969, Gillis began a job at Springs Industries in Lancaster, where she mastered her writing and administrative skills during her 40-year-long career. After retiring from Springs in 2009, Gillis’ strong work ethic spurred her onto yet another career path as Executive Assistant to the Colonel at the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Blythewood headquarters.
“When I came here, I knew nothing about the Highway Patrol,” Gillis said. “It’s amazing what I’ve learned about the troopers. Each one is so special to me, and they do so much that people don’t realize.”
Over 15 years, Gillis has worked for both Colonel Christopher Williamson and former Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Oliver, who served from 2011 to 2017 and is currently in the role of Chief of Staff for the SC Department of Public Safety. In her role, she is responsible for proofreading documents and managing calls and requests sent to the Colonel’s office. She also oversees Blue Team, a constructive counseling and coaching service for troopers.
“As Colonel, it’s important to have an assistant who demonstrates strong character,” Williamson said. “Ms. Gillis is one of the most dedicated, committed, and loyal employees I’ve ever had, and she has always been trustworthy in carrying out her duties.”
Throughout her time at the Highway Patrol, Gillis has developed strong bonds with employees at both the SCDPS and the Department of Motor Vehicles, since both agencies share facilities in Blythewood. From spending lunch breaks together with her daughters, who are also DPS employees, to dropping by the campus eatery and chatting with manager Willie Patrick, Gillis treasures the support system she has found within her workplace.
“Of course, working at the same location as my daughters has been the icing on the cake for me,” she said. “There are a lot of good people in this building, which is part of why I have stayed so long. I knew if I ever needed anything, somebody would be there for me.”
Gillis looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and friends. However, she assures her coworkers that her retirement is not truly a goodbye.
“Some people retire, get locked out, and never come visit,” Gillis said with a smile. “But that’s not going to be me!”
