SC Highway Patrol Trooper Honored As National Trooper Of The Year

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is proud to announce that a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper has been named the American Association of State Troopers' (AAST) 2026 National Trooper of the Year.

Lance Corporal R.A. Lee was named AAST's Trooper of the Year 2026 for his heroic actions that stopped a speeding wrong-way driver during a pursuit on July 8, 2025, and prevented injury or death to other motorists.

"With his actions that day, Lance Corporal Lee not only stopped a criminal act: He saved countless lives, and in the process demonstrated the highest traditions of courage, duty, and sacrifice," the American Association for State Troopers said of Lee's selection. "His bravery is an inspiration to his fellow troopers, and a testament to the Highway Patrol's core values."

After learning that a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle from Charlotte had entered Chester County, Lance Corporal Lee deployed stop sticks on Interstate 77 in an attempt to stop the vehicle. However, the stolen SUV exited and then reentered the interstate, bypassing the stop sticks and traveling the wrong way, posing a deadly threat to other motorists. Lance Corporal Lee then made the quick and selfless decision to drive his patrol vehicle into the path of the stolen SUV, with the resulting collision disabling both vehicles and ending the pursuit.

"I can't thank the Association of State Troopers enough for this tremendous honor, especially when so many troopers go out and put their lives on the line every day to keep people safe," Lance Corporal Lee said of receiving the award. "I don't see what I did as heroic. It felt like I was just doing what needed to be done in that instant, and thankfully it worked out that no one else was injured."

Lance Corporal Lee was among 29 finalists from around the country and is the first South Carolina state trooper to receive this recognition. In addition to this prestigious honor, he has received the South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Medal of Valor award, was named the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Statewide Trooper of the Year, and was a finalist for the Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in the State category. Lance Corporal Lee was also a finalist for South Carolina's Trooper of the Year in 2025 for another heroic deed, where his compassionate interaction ultimately saved a man who was contemplating suicide.

"It is difficult to put into words how proud we are not just of Lance Corporal Lee receiving this national honor, but for his bravery, his sense of humanity, and his dedication to serving others day after day, year after year," said Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Christopher Williamson. "He is a rising star within the Highway Patrol and a shining example of our core values of Selfless Service, Integrity, and Responsibility. It truly is an honor to know him."

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.