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, welcoming 20 new troopers to its ranks. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson gave special remarks to the graduates, offering inspiring words as they begin their new career.
SC Highway Patrol Class 128 includes 10 pre-certified officers and 10 who are new to the law enforcement profession. The addition of this graduating class brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 788.*
“To the fine men and women joining the ranks today, I proudly welcome you not only to the Highway Patrol, but also to the SC Department of Public Safety,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. “You have chosen a path that is both incredibly demanding and extremely rewarding. As you embark on your next chapter, remember that your service helps protect the lives and livelihoods of those traveling in and through this state.”
Troopers are assigned to areas based on several 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 Class 128 are assigned, review the information in the link that includes their Troop assignments and photos: https://scdps.sc.gov/schp/classes.
Lieutenant Colonel B.J. Albert, Deputy Commander of the SC Highway Patrol, offered words of inspiration to the graduates as they set out on their new careers:
“As you begin your new journey with the Highway Patrol, remember that the badge you wear is more than just a badge — it is a pledge to serve with selfless service, integrity, and responsibility. The road ahead will test you, but you must always stand firm in your commitment to protecting the communities you serve. The Highway Patrol, and the people of this state, are counting on you to honor that commitment each and every day.”
Special awards from Class 128 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.
Class 128 Recipient: John L. Mitchell
Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Presented to the trooper who demonstrated the best marksmanship during firearms training.
Class 128 Recipient: Ryan C. LeClaire
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.
Class 128 Recipient: Christopher V. Nguyen
Photos from the ceremony can be found in the SCDPS online photo album.
For those interested in joining SCHP, please check out the qualifications to apply at JoinSCHP.com.
*These numbers are from the latest report, and include the number of troopers in the field and in training. Additionally, this does not include any that were hired or resigned after March 31, 2025.
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.