SC Highway Patrol Holds Ceremony for 2025 Trooper of the Year, Telecommunications Operator of the Year

For Immediate Release 
March 6, 2026 
Contact: Your local Highway Patrol Community Relations Officer, 803-896-8144 

Media: All photos and narratives can be found on the SCHP 2025 Trooper of the Year webpage. Ceremony photos are available on the SCDPS online photo album.

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced its 2025 Trooper of the Year and Telecommunications Operator of the Year (TCO) at a ceremony today in Columbia. The statewide winners were selected from regional winners across the state.  

Lance Corporal R.A. Lee was named the statewide Trooper of the Year for 2025. When a stolen vehicle involved in a pursuit entered Interstate 77 (Chester County) driving the wrong-way, Lance Corporal Lee bravely took action by placing his patrol vehicle directly into the path of the car. The resulting collision totaled Lance Corporal Lee’s patrol vehicle but stopped the chase and prevented several unsuspecting motorists from being injured or killed.   

Nicholas Brown was named the statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year for 2025. Since joining the Blythewood Telecommunications Center right out of high school in 2024, Nicholas has demonstrated an extraordinary level of proficiency, maturity, and commitment. In the frantic moments after Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was struck by a box truck during a traffic stop in August 2025, Nicholas took over the call from a fellow TCO who was understandably shaken. He kept his composure during the remainder of the call, relaying crucial details in a tragic moment marked by urgency and emotional weight.  

“We are proud to come together today to commend several outstanding troopers and communications professionals of the South Carolina Highway Patrol,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. “These committed individuals embody the excellence and dedication that distinguish South Carolina’s finest in law enforcement. I, for one, am deeply grateful for their exceptional service and the sacrifices they make every day to keep our communities safe.” 

Col. Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol, said:   

“Today is among the proudest moments of the year for the South Carolina Highway Patrol, as we honor a select group of individuals whose service embodies the Patrol’s core values of selfless service, integrity, and responsibility. These extraordinary public servants stand as outstanding examples of the dedication that defines the Highway Patrol every day.” 

2025 Statewide Trooper of the Year 

Lance Corporal R.A. Lee
SC Highway Patrol Troop 4, Post C 

Troop Winners:

• Troop 1: Sergeant J.D. Griffith, Troop 1, Post C (Lexington County)
• Troop 2: Senior Trooper Q.D. Robinson, Troop 2, Post A (Laurens and Newberry County)
• Troop 3: Trooper First Class C.B. Clayton, Troop 3, Post C (Greenville County)
• Troop 4: Lance Corporal R.A. Lee,* Troop 4, Post C (Chester and Fairfield County)
• Troop 5: Lance Corporal C.I. Carter, Troop 5, Post D (Horry County)
• Troop 6: Lance Corporal T.L. Boyd, Troop 6, Post C (Beaufort and Jasper County)
• Troop 7: Corporal J.E. Deas, Troop 7, Post C (Aiken County)
• Troop 8: Master Trooper T.M. Bell, Troop 8, Area Coordinated Enforcement Unit (Mid-state)
• Troop 9: Lance Corporal J.R. Himes, Troop 9, Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigations Team (Coastal)
• Troop 10: Master Trooper M.R. Ridgeway, Troop 10, Community Relations, Recruitment, and FOIA Unit (Troop 3 CRO)

*Overall winner for 2025 Trooper of the Year 

2025 Statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year  

Nicholas Brown
Telecommunications Operator I, Blythewood Telecommunications Center 

Regional Telecommunications Center Winners: 

• Blythewood Telecommunications Center: Nicholas Brown, Telecommunications Operator I**
• Charleston Telecommunications Center: Stephanie Shepherd, Telecommunications Supervisor
• Florence Telecommunications Center: Bradley Kennedy, Assistant Telecommunications Supervisor
• Greenville Telecommunications Center: Kristopher Moore, Telecommunications Operator II

**Overall winner for 2025 TCO of the Year 

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.