Friday, Jul 28, 2023
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2023
Contact: Your local CRO, 803-896-8144
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has promoted Joseph C. Elliott to serve as Commander of Troop Seven for the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Troop Seven includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Hampton, and Orangeburg counties.
Captain Elliott, who most recently served as the Lieutenant / Executive Officer for Troop Seven, was named Troop Seven Commander to succeed Captain Quincy M. Brown, who has been reassigned as Captain of the Highway Patrol’s new Employment Unit.
“Captain Elliott has demonstrated outstanding leadership in enforcement operations,” said South Carolina Highway Patrol Commander, Colonel Christopher N. Williamson. “He also has a history of creating effective partnerships with the local community and I know that those partnerships will be maintained and expanded in his new position. I am honored to appoint him as the next Troop Seven Commander.”
A 17-year veteran of the Highway Patrol, Elliott has spent most of his career in Troop One, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant before transferring to Troop Seven in early 2023. He received the SCDPS Director’s Award for Valor in 2015 for his 1000-Year Flood rescue efforts and was recognized in the same year as Troop One Trooper of the Year.
A native of Sebring, Florida, Captain Elliott is married to Heather Elliott. He, his wife, and his two sons reside in Gilbert, South Carolina. Before becoming a trooper with SCHP, Elliott honorably served in the US Navy for 4 years, where he achieved the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.
Photos are available on the SCDPS Flickr Album.
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.
Monday, Nov 2, 2026
Columbia — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of six persons killed on South Carolina roadways beginning Friday, October 30, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m.
For additional data on traffic fatalities by county, please view the most recent year-to-date fatality report on our website.*
Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2026
Contact: Kyle McGahee, Office of Public Affairs - 803-896-8747
Media: Photos from today's ceremony can be found in the online photo album here.
Columbia — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame held an induction ceremony today to recognize 13 South Carolina law enforcement professionals for their exemplary service to the law enforcement profession.
Monday, Oct 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
October 26, 2026
Contact: Your local Highway Patrol Community Relations Officer, 803-896-8144
Columbia — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of seven persons killed on South Carolina roadways beginning Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, October 25, at 11:59 p.m.
For additional data on traffic fatalities by county, please view the most recent year-to-date fatality report on our website.*
Monday, Oct 19, 2026
For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2026
Contact: SCDE Communications
communications@ed.sc.gov
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s education and public safety leaders are joining forces to deliver a critical message to drivers: safe rides for our everyday heroes. One careless decision can change lives forever — and there are no second chances.