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Stories Archive

‘I’m blessed’: Beloved SCDPS storeowner lost his vision at age 47 — but found much more in the years since

After losing his vision in 2018 at the age of 47, Willie Patrick could have wallowed in self-pity and waited for someone to come along and help him…

Retiring SCHP sergeant reflects on 25 years of service, school buses, and advocacy

Ever since he was a little boy, Sergeant Matt Southern wanted to be a police officer. Whether dressing up as a cop for Halloween year after year,…

Dispatcher-turned-IT manager Justin Dyson reflects on 26 years at DPS, looks forward to what retirement holds

Before Justin Dyson came to the Department of Public Safety and began a 26-year career in telecommunications and IT, he was young, broke, and…

A temporary position turned into a 35-year career for SCHP’s Sherrie Gasque

When Sherrie Gasque landed a temporary job at the SC Highway Patrol District 5 headquarters, she was hoping to put in 28 years — maybe 30. But this…

'Do not open until 2043’: SCDPS dedicates time capsule as part of 30th anniversary

As the SC Department of Public Safety continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the department dedicated a time capsule that will remain sealed…

After 22 years in the military, retired Marine adjusts to civilian life with SC Highway Patrol

Rebecca Culp was looking for a way to pay for college and see other parts of the world when she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001. She had…

A woman of many firsts: Late State Transport Police Colonel inducted into Law Enforcement Hall of Fame

Breaking barriers and being “the first” were never priorities for Colonel Anna Amos. She focused on being a dedicated public servant and mother, and…

'Go for it': SC trooper of many trades learns it's never too late to discover your passion

Trooper First Class Andrew Allen is a man of many hats — from working as a roofer, to saving lives as a firefighter, to nurturing souls as a…

Intern Round-Up

After a more than four-year hiatus, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has revitalized the agency’s internship program to provide…

From Trooper to Highway Safety Director: A rewarding career at DPS all began as a chance encounter at a drugstore

Why would someone return to the same high-pressure job after retiring? For Phil Riley, it was his passion for highway safety and contributing to…