Captain Cecil Dilworth and First Sergeant Jerry Williams were two very different men, with different personalities and different motivations — yet both achieved the same level of honor through their combined 75 years of service in the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Now, that service is commemorated in a new display honoring each trooper at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. 

“They were very similar in their ethical service to the Highway Patrol and to their communities,” said Hall of Fame Administrator Jim McClary. “They just went about it in different ways. They were both very successful and well respected, but it’s funny how their motivations were different.” 

Dilworth and Williams, and their service, are the focal points of two new displays the Hall of Fame rolled out earlier this year. Hall of Fame administrative assistant Robert Wagner spearheaded the effort. Ironically, Dilworth and Williams were brothers-in-law, thanks to Dilworth marrying Williams’ sister, Evelyn. Dilworth joined the Highway Patrol in 1947, and Williams joined in 1956 at Dilworth’s persuasion. They served until 1986 and 1992, respectively. 

“Cecil told him, ‘You really need to join the patrol,’” Wagner said. “You’re doing a good service, you’re helping folks out, and the job has benefits.” 

Although both were regarded as respected leaders, the two men were well known for their very different personalities. 

“Jerry was very low-key and gained everyone’s respect by not overreacting,” Wagner recalled. “Cecil was kind of the opposite of that. He was not a task master, but at the same time, if he requested that you do something, it was probably in your best interest to do it.” 

While Dilworth moved around the state as he ascended the ranks over the years, eventually becoming the legendary tough-but-fair commander of District 5, Williams spent his entire career in Anderson County, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant.

“He turned down several promotions because his wife did not want to leave Anderson County,” Wagner said. “That’s kind of an anomaly. Most troopers move around if they want a promotion.” 

Each display case contains artifacts from Dilworth’s and Williams’ combined 75 years of service: Guns, badges, patches, photos, a Patrolman of the Year plaque Williams was awarded in 1970, and even a ring that belonged to Dilworth. In addition to the two men being brothers-in-law, Wagner himself is related to both: He is Williams’ son-in-law, and Dilworth’s nephew. His family connections help laid the groundwork for the displays to come together earlier this year. 

“Very few people have served the Highway Patrol as long as these two men,” Wagner said. “I think we should highlight the positives of law enforcement because the world has taken such a negative view of the profession. This is a way to honor them personally and, maybe, raise the respect level in some capacity.” 

Wagner is particularly proud of Dilworth’s service in the Army, during which he worked as a tank commander under General George S. Patton. Aside from former President Dwight Eisenhower, Patton is regarded as one of the most significant American military leaders during World War II. 

“Having your name mentioned alongside an American hero and legend is impressive,” Wagner said. 

What McClary hopes people take from the displays is the depth of service and dedication demonstrated by the two late troopers, from Dilworth’s pre-Highway Patrol service in World War II, to Williams spending his entire career in the Upstate. 

“These are two shining examples of people who dedicated their lives in service to their state and the Highway Patrol,” he said. “You just don’t see that as much today.” 

The displays will remain up for the remainder of the year as the Hall of Fame rotates in new exhibits and artifacts. The Hall of Fame, located at Broad River Road and Geology Road in Columbia, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.