COLUMBIA – It is with deep sadness that the South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces the passing of one of its own. South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, 30, died on August 13, 2025, nearly four days after being struck by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County.
“This is a profound loss for Trooper Ricks’ family, friends, our agency, and our law enforcement community,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. “Ricks had an entire life ahead of him that was cut tragically short. We will honor his life and legacy, ensuring that we never forget his service to his community and this state.”
Ricks was assigned to SC Highway Patrol Troop 7, Post B, where he patrolled the highways of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. A native of Lexington County, he began his career with the Highway Patrol in 2023.
“Although Trooper Ricks had only been a trooper for two years, he was a beloved member of Troop 7 and the Highway Patrol as a whole,” said SCHP Commander Colonel Chris Williamson. “We ask for continued prayers for his family, his friends, and his fellow troopers as they all navigate this immense loss.”
Ricks is survived by his wife, Jade, who has provided this statement, “Dennis was the most incredible man. He was such a gentle giant. He loved his videos games, going to the movies, and more than anything, spending time with his family. Family was everything to Dennis. He filled everyone's lives with laughter and love. He truly was 1 of 1. He will forever be the love of my life and I am so grateful and blessed to have experienced the love he gave to me. Dennis always told me he loved his job. Helping the public certainly meant the world to him. He always carried his badge with honor and I was so proud of him for it. He wanted to make any difference in the world no matter how big or small and being trooper allowed him to do that.”
The Ricks family has requested privacy at this time and will not be conducting media interviews. All media inquiries should be directed to the SCDPS Office of Public Affairs. Information regarding his memorial service will be released by SCDPS as soon as that information is available.
Serve and Connect has graciously started a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds will go to the family. As of the release of this statement, more than $27,000 has already been raised. If you would like to learn more, please visit this webpage.
The Department of Public Safety’s most recent line-of-duty death before TFC Ricks was in September of 2024, when State Transport Police Officer First Class M.S. Reynolds died after experiencing a medical emergency during training.
TFC Ricks is the first Highway Patrol trooper to die in the line-of-duty since Trooper D.K. Rebman, who died in a line-of-duty collision in 2017. For more information on the Fallen Troopers Memorial and to learn more about our fallen heroes, please visit: https://scdps.sc.gov/FTM.
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.