SC Highway Patrol Colonel Receives Prestigious Order of the Palmetto Award

MEDIA: Photos from the recognition can be found in the SCDPS online photo album.

COLUMBIA - For nearly 40 years, South Carolina Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson has shown a steadfast dedication to serving the residents and visitors of South Carolina, and the men and women of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Because of his devotion and strong leadership, Governor McMaster awarded Colonel Christopher Williamson with the Order of the Palmetto on August 12.

"I am proud beyond measure to nominate and witness as Colonel Williamson receives such a prestigious honor," SCDPS Director Woods said. "There has never been any doubt about his dedication to public service and his commitment to the Highway Patrol."

Established in 1971 by Governor John C. West, the Order of the Palmetto is awarded by a sitting governor in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a statewide or national scale. Recipients must be citizens who demonstrate upstanding character, exhibited by a lifetime of achievement and service to the state of South Carolina.

"I am humbled to be presented with such a distinguished recognition. I have always taken so much pride in wearing this uniform and serving others through my work, but to have that work recognized in this meaningful way, is a true honor," Colonel Williamson said.

Williamson, the oldest of 12 children, vowed to become a law enforcement officer after his 9-year-old sister was fatally struck by an impaired driver while riding her bicycle. Driven to turn his personal tragedy into purpose, it has been his mission to remove impaired and dangerous drivers from South Carolina's roadways.

After graduating from Fayetteville State University in 1985, Colonel Williamson joined the Darlington County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. He joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 1988, with his first assignment in Berkeley County. In the years that followed, Williamson ascended the ranks, eventually being promoted to Captain in 2003 and serving as commander of Troops 6 and 7. In 2011, he was named Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commander of the Highway Patrol. Then, in 2017, he became the first African-American commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Since his appointment as Colonel, Williamson has focused on enhancing communication and bridging the gaps between our troopers and the communities they serve. He launched the Lunch Buddies program, in which troopers visit schools and foster positive interactions between students and law enforcement. He also spearheaded the S.T.R.E.E.T. Program, which stands for Setting The Right Example Every Time, and promotes positive interactions between law enforcement and young children in local communities. In recent years, the Highway Patrol has also partnered with the Roc Solid Foundation, with troopers and victim advocates giving their free time to build playsets for children battling pediatric cancer; and at Christmastime, the Highway Patrol participates in Shop with a Cop in seven locations across the state, an event in which troopers are paired with children who were affected by fatal collisions in South Carolina for a holiday shopping spree made possible by generous donations to the SC Troopers Association.

Understanding the pressure that comes along with the career, he has also shown extreme care for troopers and their families, ensuring they all have access to mental health assistance and support. He and DPS leadership worked with the SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program to hire a full-time health and wellness coordinator, who provides services to uniform and civilian personnel and their families, especially after a critical incident.

Throughout his career, Williamson has received many awards, accolades, and recognitions. In 2021, the General Assembly passed a resolution renaming part of a Darlington County roadway in his honor. In 2023, he received the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, he received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Medallion Award from Brookland Baptist Church in 2024.

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.