State Transport Police Names Officer of the Year for 2025

Media: Photos from the ceremony will be posted to the SC Department of Public Safety's STP Officer of the Year online photo album and the SCDPS Facebook page. Please continue to check for updates.

COLUMBIA -The South Carolina State Transport Police (STP) held a ceremony today to recognize several outstanding employees and name the 2025 STP Officer of the Year.

The overall winner for the 2025 STP Officer of the Year is Lance Corporal Preston R. Kirk. As a member of STP's Special Operations Unit, the DRIVE Team, Kirk consistently performs his duties above expectations and demonstrates a true commitment to highway safety. In 2025, he conducted nearly 900 inspections and placed more than 150 drivers and 51 commercial vehicles out of service. His command staff distinguishes him as a true leader, a role model, and an inspiration to other officers who wish to join the Special Operations Unit.

A division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the State Transport Police is primarily responsible for enforcing state and federal laws governing commercial motor vehicle traffic.

"Our State Transport Police officers fill a critical role in highway safety by ensuring commercial motor vehicles are operating safely on our roadways, "SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. "I am honored to recognize these exceptional professionals for their service and their commitment to safety."

Major Lee T. Catoe, deputy commander of the State Transport Police, recognized the overall winner, as well as region-wide winners for the exceptional work and service demonstrated throughout 2025.

"It's a privilege to announce Lance Corporal Kirk as our Officer of the Year, a title not easily earned. I would also like to express my gratitude for the rest of our honorees, whose contributions not only strengthen our division, but strengthen our efforts to serve and protect those living and traveling throughout the state. Your hard work and exceptional dedication to your duties inspire us all and make a profound impact on our communities."

2025 Overall STP Officer of the Year

• Lance Corporal Preston R. Kirk, Region 7 DRIVE Team

Finalists by region:

• Region 1 Finalist: Senior Officer Latonya M. Loredo
• Region 2 Finalist: Senior Officer Channin A. Moore
• Region 3 Finalist: Lance Corporal Christine N. Pennick
• Region 4 Finalist: Master Officer Bryan C. Bowe
• Region 5 Finalist: Master Officer Tyrone A Williams
• Region 6 Finalist: Lance Corporal Montana A. Fisher
• Region 7 Finalist: Lance Corporal Preston R. Kirk*

*Indicates overall winner.

Additional awards and recognitions included:

Rookie of the Year Award: This award is given to an STP officer who has performed well above expectations and who is also in their first year of their law enforcement career.

• Officer First Class Hutch A. Novacek, Region 3

Region of the Year Award: This award is presented to the STP Region with the highest total points earned across a variety of categories, including inspection activity, off-peak activity, safety talks, collision reduction efforts, and more. The points are weighted based on the number of officers employed in each Region so that each Region has a fair chance to earn recognition.

• Region 3 (Upstate)

Civilian Employee of the Year Award:This award is presented to a non-sworn STP employee for outstanding service, consistency, and work ethic throughout the year.

• Loretta M. Staten, Compliance Review Investigator, Motor Carrier Compliance Unit

Special Awards:

• Corporal Joshua L. Gasque, Region 5
• Master Officer Drake M. Johnson, Region 5

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.