Every day, South Carolina State Troopers put their lives on the line in the name of public service. May the names of these valiant Troopers who gave their lives in the line of duty always remain in our memories as a reminder of their sacrifice and the continuing commitment to our founding principles of courtesy, efficiency and service.
Each year, the SC Highway Patrol holds a Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance to honor our fallen heroes. To view images from previous Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance ceremonies, please select a year below:
- 2025 Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance
- 2024 Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance
- 2023 Fallen Trooper Service of Remembrance
Fallen South Carolina State Troopers
Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks
End of Watch: 8/13/2025
Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was on duty performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County on August 10, 2025, when he was struck by a box truck. The collision occurred on I-26 eastbound, near mile marker 165. Ricks died nearly four days later as a result of his injuries. Ricks joined 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.
Watch Trooper First Class Ricks' Celebration of Life Ceremony here.
Trooper Daniel Keith Rebman, Jr.
End of Watch: 10/24/2017
Trooper Rebman was on duty in Greenville County on October 24, 2017 when his patrol vehicle was struck by a truck as he sat stationary on I-385. He died later that day as a result of his injuries. Trooper Rebman joined the Highway Patrol in 2012 as a dispatcher where he served for four years. He became a trooper in September 2016, receiving the Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award.
Corporal D. Kevin Cusack
End of Watch: 3/27/2010
Corporal Cusack was on duty in Lancaster County on March 27, 2010 when his patrol vehicle went off roadway. The collision occurred on S.C. 200, southwest of Lancaster. He died as a result of his injuries. Corporal Cusack was a twenty year veteran of the Highway Patrol and was a native of Florence County.
Lance Corporal Jonathan Shea Nash
End of Watch: 9/19/2009
Lance Corporal Jonathan Shea Nash died in the line of duty on September 19, 2009 while escorting a charity ride in honor of Trooper Hardy M. Godbold who was killed in the line of duty in 1992.
Trooper Nash joined the Highway Patrol in 1994, and had been assigned to the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team’s Region III Motorcycle Unit, which consisted of Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York counties. He had served on the Motorcycle Unit since 2004.
Trooper Nash was a resident of Union County. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 – 1993. He is a native of Manatee, Florida. He is survived by his parents, Dan and George-Ann, of Anderson, SC and a 13 year old daughter, Andrea.
“L/Cpl. Nash was an excellent trooper who had earned the distinction of serving on the Motor Unit. Trooper Nash was well-loved and would be the first to step up and help anyone.” -Colonel F.K. Lancaster, Jr.
Lance Corporal J. D. Haynes
End of Watch: 2/1/2008
Lance Corporal J. D. “Rock” Haynes died in the line of duty February 1, 2008. Trooper Haynes was responding to a motor vehicle accident involving multiple tractor trailers on Interstate 26. While traveling on SC Highway 33 his vehicle left the rain soaked roadway and struck a utility pole.
Trooper Haynes had joined the Highway Patrol in 1997 and had been assigned to Troop Seven Post B Orangeburg/Calhoun Counties. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news we received this morning of Trooper Haynes’ death,” ... “Even though we all know that the job of a law enforcement officer is dangerous, we are never prepared for such a loss.” - Colonel R. F. Roark III.
Senior Trooper Jonathan W. Parker
End of Watch: 5/16/2005
Senior Trooper Parker was killed while on duty in Sumter County. His Patrol vehicle was struck by a fugitive who was evading other law enforcement officers.
Trooper Parker, who was ahead of the pursuit, had stopped his patrol car on the shoulder of the highway to wait for the pursuit to reach his location. The suspect then intentionally drove his vehicle into the parked patrol car, causing it to burst into flames. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at the scene by assisting officers.
The suspect was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole. He was sentenced to an additional 25 years for failure to stop and attempting to evade law enforcement.
Trooper Parker had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for 5 years, and had previously served with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, parents, brother, and four sisters.
Corporal Kenneth Jeffery Johnson
End of Watch: 7/7/2002
Corporal Johnson was on duty in Berkeley County when he was shot and killed by a passenger of a pickup at a traffic checkpoint. The suspect was a wanted person and the pickup had been reported stolen. The suspect was charged with murder and sentenced to death. Corporal Johnson was a twelve year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Berkeley County.
Senior Trooper Michael Joseph Rao
End of Watch: 6/12/2002
Senior Trooper Rao was on duty in Clarendon County when he was struck off the roadway by a pickup as he was assisting a disabled motorist. Senior Trooper Rao died two days later. The driver of the pickup was charged with reckless homicide. Senior Trooper Rao was a four year veteran of the Patrol and was recently assigned to the Patrol’s Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team. Senior Trooper Rao was a native of Toms River, New Jersey and grew up in Lancaster County.
Trooper First Class Eric Francis Nicholson
End of Watch: 12/6/2000
Trooper First Class Nicholson was on duty in Greenville County when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop. The suspect was later captured during a shoot out with law enforcement. The suspect was sentenced to death and his accomplice was sentenced to twenty-five years. First Class Nicholson was a two year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of the State of New York.
Lance Corporal David Travis Bailey
End of Watch: 4/5/2000
Lance Corporal Bailey was on duty in Greenville County when he was killed in a vehicle collision when he was pursuing a violator and was cut off by another vehicle. Lance Corporal Bailey was a six year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Anderson County. His father was a retired state trooper.
Lance Corporal Jacob Ham Jr.
End of Watch: 2/8/1998
Lance Corporal Ham was on duty in Darlington County when he suffered a heart attack and died when he subdued and arrested a suspect during a traffic stop. Lance Corporal Ham was a twelve year veteran of the Patrol.
First Sergeant Frankie Lee Lingard
End of Watch: 12/31/1997
First Sergeant Lingard was on Duty in Orangeburg County when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop. The suspect was captured and sentenced to death. First Sergeant Lingard was a fifteen year veteran of the Patrol.
Lance Corporal Randall Scott Hewitt
End of Watch: 6/23/1996
Lance Corporal Hewitt was on duty in Florence County investigating a motor vehicle collision when a pickup struck his patrol car from behind. Lance Corporal Hewitt died from his injuries as well as the driver of the pickup and a pedestrian standing nearby. Lance Corporal Hewitt was a nine year veteran of the Patrol and a native of Horry County.
Lance Corporal Michael Allen Chappell
End of Watch: 4/17/1995
Lance Corporal Chappell was on duty in Clarendon County when his patrol car ran off the roadway and overturned after pursuing a violator. Lance Corporal Chappell died as a result of his injuries. Lance Corporal Chappell was a seven year veteran of the Patrol.
Trooper Randall Lamar Hester
End of Watch: 4/20/1994
Trooper Hester was on duty in Anderson County when his patrol vehicle ran off the roadway while pursuing a motorcyclist. He died as a result of his injuries. Trooper Hester was a native of Oconee County.
Lance Corporal Mark Hunter Coates
End of Watch: 11/20/1992
Lance Corporal Coates was on duty with the Highway Patrol’s Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team in Jasper County when he was attacked, shot and killed by the suspect during a traffic stop. The suspect was convicted of murder. Lance Corporal Coates was a native of Lexington County.
Trooper Hardy Merle Godbold
End of Watch: 2/28/1992
Trooper Godbold was on duty in Kershaw County responding to assist another trooper and was killed when a pickup struck his patrol car. The suspect was captured and charged with Felony Driving Under the Influence. Trooper Godbold was a four year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Marion County. .
Trooper David Hunter O’Brien
End of Watch: 12/14/1991
Trooper O’Brien was on duty in Beaufort County when he was involved in a collision on December 5, 1991. Trooper O’Brien died nine days later. Trooper O’Brien had been with the Patrol for 18 months.
Trooper Marvin L. Titus
End of Watch: 11/21/1991
Trooper Titus was on duty in Bamberg County when he was pursuing a stolen vehicle. A scuffle ensued between the suspect and Trooper Titus after the suspect ran off the roadway. Trooper Titus was shot by the suspect and later died from his injuries. The suspect was captured and convicted of murder.
Trooper Harry McKinley Coker Jr.
End of Watch: 6/21/1989
Trooper Coker was on duty in Fairfield County when he was struck and killed by a car as he was investigating another vehicle collision. Trooper Coker was the son of a retired trooper who was the sergeant-at-arms of the state senate.
Trooper First Class George Tillman Radford
End of Watch: 10/29/1988
Trooper First Class Radford was on duty in Dillon County when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop. The suspect was charged with murder. Trooper First Class Radford was a sixteen year veteran of the Patrol.
Trooper First Class Robert Paul Perry Jr.
End of Watch: 4/15/1987
Trooper First Class Perry was on duty in Williamsburg County when his patrol vehicle ran off the roadway while pursuing a motorcyclist. He died as a result of his injuries. Trooper First Class Perry was a four year veteran of the Patrol.
Trooper First Class Bruce Kenneth Smalls
End of Watch: 9/27/1985
Trooper First Class Smalls was on duty in Jasper County when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop. When making the traffic stop, Trooper Smalls did not know the suspect had killed the owner of the RV he was driving. The suspect was captured and sentenced to death. Trooper Smalls was a nine year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Jasper County.
Corporal John R. Clinton
End of Watch: 5/24/1983
Corporal Clinton was on duty in Chester County while attempting to make an arrest, was shot and killed. Corporal Clinton was a sixteen year veteran of the Patrol.
Patrolman First Class David Lee Alverson
End of Watch: 11/13/1981
Patrolman First Class Alverson was on duty in Orangeburg County at a construction area when his patrol vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer. Patrolman First Class Alverson died the next day from his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer was charged with reckless homicide. Patrolman First Class Alverson was a three year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Spartanburg County.
Sergeant Robert Aaron Mobley
End of Watch: 7/19/1979
Sergeant Mobley was on duty in Florence County when he was shot and killed after a struggle with a motorcyclist during a traffic stop. The suspect was convicted of murder. Sergeant Mobley was a twenty-one year veteran of the Patrol and a native of Greenwood County. One of Sergeant Mobley’s sons was a member of the Patrol at the time of his death and later became colonel of the Patrol.
Patrolman First Class William Edward Peeples
End of Watch: 6/8/1979
Patrolman First Class Peeples was on duty in Colleton County when he pursued a motorcyclist for speeding. After the motorcyclist stopped, he shot Patrolman First Class Peeples several times and the patrolman died from his injuries the following day. The suspect was captured and charged with murder. Patrolman First Class Peeples was a five-year veteran of the Highway Patrol and a native of Barnwell County.
Patrolman First Class Ben Wesley Strickland
End of Watch: 5/31/1974
Patrolman First Class Strickland was on duty in Lexington County when he arrested a driver during a traffic stop. The passenger of the vehicle shot and killed Patrolman Strickland. The two suspects were charged with his death. Patrolman Strickland was a sixteen year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Dorchester County.
Patrolman Fulton House Anthony
End of Watch: 3/10/1973
Patrolman Anthony was on duty in Greenville County when he and another patrolman were transporting two suspects who were arrested. One of the suspects produced a handgun and shot Patrolman Anthony in the back. The other patrolman shot and killed the suspect. Patrolman Anthony later died from his injuries. Patrolman Anthony was a fourteen year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Pickens County.
Patrolman Roy Odes Caffey
End of Watch: 10/8/1972
Patrolman Caffey was on duty in Orangeburg County when he was shot and killed by unknown person(s) during a traffic stop. After national attention from the re-enactment on the “Unsolved Mysteries” television show, an arrest was made on February 16, 1997. The woman arrested admitted to being present when Patrolman Caffey was killed by two other men who are both deceased. Patrolman Caffey was a native of Temple, Texas and was a twenty five year veteran of the Patrol.
Patrolman Jimmy Amechie Traylor
End of Watch: 12/25/1970
Patrolman Traylor was on duty in Sumter County when he went to assist another patrolman with an arrest. Two family members assaulted the two patrolmen. Patrolman Traylor was shot and killed and the other patrolman was shot and wounded. The two family members along with another family member were charged in the assault. Patrolman Traylor was a seven year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Fairfield County.
Patrolman Alfred Alexander Thomason
End of Watch: 7/27/1970
Patrolman Thomason was on duty in Sumter County and was killed in a vehicle collision at the entrance to Shaw Airfield Air Force Base. Patrolman Thomason was a two year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Anderson County.
Corporal Richard Varn Woods
End of Watch: 8/19/1969
Corporal Woods was on Duty in Beaufort County on August 15, 1969 when he pulled a vehicle over for speeding. Cpl. Woods did not know that the three suspects were wanted for burglary and larceny. Corporal Woods was shot and died four days later from his injuries. The three suspects were charged in his death. Corporal Woods was a nine year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Jasper County.
Patrolman Marion Charles Steele
End of Watch: 9/10/1966
Patrolman Steele was on duty in Chesterfield County when he was shot to death by one of three teenagers during a traffic stop. One of the teenagers was charged with murder and the other two pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact. Patrolman Steele was a five year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Lancaster County. His brother was also a patrolman.
Patrolman John Ray Riddle
End of Watch: 1/15/1961
Patrolman Riddle was on duty in Clarendon County and was killed when his patrol vehicle collided head-on with a tractor trailer. Patrolman Riddle was a native of Lexington County.
Corporal Henry C. Yonce
End of Watch: 5/19/1959
Corporal Yonce was on duty in Abbeville County on May 6, 1959, when he swerved his patrol vehicle to avoid hitting a truck that was passing another vehicle on the crest of a hill. His vehicle went down an embankment, struck a culvert and burst into flames. The collision occurred between Abbeville and Calhoun Falls. Corporal Yonce was severely burned and suffered from a broken leg. He died several days later as a result of his injuries. Corporal Yonce was 43 at the time of his death and was a 20-year veteran of the Patrol. He was a native of Edgefield County.
Patrolman Harry Boyd Ray
End of Watch: 9/7/1958
Patrolman Ray was on duty in Orangeburg County when he stopped a vehicle for speeding. Patrolman Ray did not know that the three assailants in the vehicle had just committed an armed robbery at a nearby motel. Patrolman Ray was shot several times and killed instantly. Two of the assailants were sentenced to death and the other served a 10-year sentence. Patrolman Ray was a native of Spartanburg County and an 11-year veteran of the Patrol. Patrolman Ray had two brothers. One was a Highway Patrolman and the other a police officer as well.
Patrolman Arnold R. Carter
End of Watch: 6/18/1956
Patrolman Carter was on duty in Williamsburg County investigating reports of vehicles racing. Patrolman Carter was standing off the highway when he was struck and killed by one of the racing vehicles. He was a native of Chester County.
Patrolman Albert T. Sealy Jr.
End of Watch: 10/5/1950
Patrolman Sealy was on duty in Greenville County when he was involved in a collision with an oil tanker truck. Patrolman Sealy was killed instantly.
Patrolman Norris Nettles
End of Watch: 1/4/1942
Patrolman Nettles was on duty in Spartanburg County when he was attacked by four assailants during a traffic stop. Patrolman Nettles was shot with his own weapon and was taken to a local hospital by two citizens, but died a short time later. The four assailants were charged with his death. Patrolman Nettles was a three year veteran of the Patrol and a native of Colleton County. His father was Police Chief for the town of Yemassee.
Patrolman Joseph P. Monroe
End of Watch: 9/28/1941
Patrolman Monroe was on duty in Marlboro County when his motorcycle was in a collision with a tractor trailer in the Town of Bennettsville. Patrolman Monroe was a native of Greenwood County.
Patrolman George Gibbs Broome
End of Watch: 5/28/1941
Patrolman Broome was on duty in Jasper County when his patrol vehicle struck a parked truck during heavy fog. Patrolman Broome died the next day from injuries he sustained. Patrolman Broome was a thirteen year veteran of the Patrol and was a native of Richland County.
Patrolman Harlan M. Smith
End of Watch: 9/23/1940
Patrolman Smith was on duty in Chesterfield County when his motorcycle struck a tree. Patrolman Smith was with the Patrol for three months and was a native of Spartanburg County.
Patrolman Walter T. Bell
End of Watch: 2/4/1939
Patrolman Bell was on duty in Lancaster County when his patrol vehicle was struck head on by another vehicle. Patrolman Bell was a native of Lancaster County.
Patrolman L. Lawson Rhodes
End of Watch: 7/13/1938
Patrolman Rhodes was on duty in Chesterfield County and died instantly when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle emerging from a side road. Patrolman Rhodes was a native of Darlington County.
Patrolman Kenneth E. McNeill
End of Watch: 1/2/1937
On November 7, 1936, Patrolman Kenneth McNeill had parked his motorcycle on the side of the road in Darlington County to converse with parties in an automobile. When he attempted to re-enter the highway he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Patrolman McNeill sustained multiple serious injuries and died of complications from those injuries in the hospital on January 2, 1937. Patrolman McNeill was with the Patrol for 19 months.
Patrolman Edward M. Hennecy
End of Watch: 11/19/1935
Patrolman Hennecy was on duty in Florence County when his motorcycle struck the railing of a steel bridge due to frost. A passing motorist attempted to take him to the local hospital, but he died on the way. Patrolman Hennecy was a five year veteran of the Patrol and a native of Georgetown County. Patrolman Hennecy also had a brother on the Patrol stationed in Spartanburg County.
Patrolman Edwin D. Milam
End of Watch: 12/25/1934
Patrolman Milam was on duty in Greenville County when he was waved down to break up a civil disturbance. Patrolman Milam attempted to arrest two men when a fight ensued. Patrolman Milam was killed when he was shot several times and struck over the head with a rock. The two assailants were arrested in Asheville, North Carolina and sentenced to death. Patrolman Milam was an officer with the Patrol for six months and was a native of Newberry County.
Patrolman Hansford McKinley Reeves
End of Watch: 2/15/1934
Patrolman Reeves died as a result of his injuries from a collision between his motorcycle and another vehicle in Lexington County. Patrolman Reeves was ejected from his motorcycle and struck a highway sign. Patrolman Reeves was a three and a half year veteran of the Patrol and assigned to motorcycle duty in Richland County. He was the son of a Colleton County magistrate.
Patrolman J. D. Cunningham
End of Watch: 6/1/1933
Patrolman Cunningham was on duty in Spartanburg County when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with another vehicle. Two citizens took Patrolman Cunningham to an area hospital were he later died. Patrolman Cunningham was a two year veteran of the Patrol and a native of Laurens County.
Patrolman William Pierre Lancaster
End of Watch: 6/9/1932
Patrolman Lancaster was on duty when he was involved in a collision on his motorcycle with a horse buggy in Florence County on June 8, 1932. He died as a result of his injuries the next day. Patrolman Lancaster was the son of a Spartanburg County magistrate and had been a patrolman for six months.
Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken
End of Watch: 10/12/1931
Patrolman McCracken was on duty when he was involved in a collision with a mail carrier while on his motorcycle in Fairfield County on October 12, 1931. Patrolman McCracken was on his way from Chester to join a squad of 12 patrolmen for duty out of state. Virginia’s Governor had requested the patrolman attend the sesquicentennial celebration held in Yorktown, Virginia. Patrolman McCracken was the first patrolman to die in the line of duty in the newly formed South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Memorials can also be found at the Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.