The South Carolina Highway Patrol Holds Ceremony to Welcome 29 New Troopers

MEDIA: You can find more information, including the roster, press release, and individual trooper photos as well as award winners on our website here.

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Highway Patrol held a graduation ceremony today, welcoming 29 new troopers to its ranks. South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers offered encouragement and special remarks to the new graduates as they begin their career with the Highway Patrol.

SC Highway Patrol Classes 130 and 131 include 13 pre-certified officers and 16 who are new to the law enforcement profession. The addition of this graduating class brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 773.*

"Today you follow in the footsteps of thousands of valiant state troopers who came before you," said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. "This career path will be accompanied by its fair share of challenges. However, you can rest easy each night knowing that because of your work, day-in and day-out, South Carolina is a far safer place to live and raise a family."

Troopers are assigned to areas based on several considerations, which include population density, the number of calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area. To see where the troopers from Classes 130 and 131 are assigned, review the graduating classes page here which includes their Troop assignments and photos.

Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol, offered words of inspiration to the graduates as they set out on their new careers:

"State troopers are the backbone of highway safety, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is delighted to welcome 29 new troopers to our ranks as we carry on this noble mission," said Williamson. "These troopers come from all backgrounds and walks of life--some with years of previous law enforcement experience, and others who are completely new to the field. We are excited to see what skills and insight they will contribute to the Highway Patrol."

Special awards from Classes 130 and 131 include:

Major Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award:  Presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and each day during the early morning exercises.

• Class 130 Recipient: Levi Smith
• Class 131 Recipient: Gabriel Monroe

Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Presented to the trooper who demonstrated the best marksmanship during firearms training.

• Class 130 Recipient: Levi Smith
• Class 131 Recipient: Chandler Hughes

Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award: For the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest-serving SC Highway Patrol commander.

• Class 130 Recipient: John Clark
• Class 131 Recipient: William Toomey

For those interested in joining SCHP, please check out the qualifications to apply at scdps.sc.gov/careers/sctrooper.

*These numbers are from the latest report, and include the number of troopers in the field and in training. Additionally, this does not include any that were hired or resigned after February 2, 2026.

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.