The South Carolina Highway Patrol Welcomes 27 New Troopers

MEDIA: The following link includes the roster, press release, and individual trooper photos as well as award winners: Highway Patrol Graduating Classes.

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Highway Patrol held a graduation ceremony today, welcoming 27 new troopers to its ranks. South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond offered encouragement and special remarks to the new graduates as they begin their career with the Highway Patrol.

SC Highway Patrol Class 129 includes 13 pre-certified officers and 14 who are new to the law enforcement profession. The addition of this graduating class brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 793.*

"Today is a special day where we welcome this group of professional men and women as they join not just the Highway Patrol, but the Department of Public Safety family," said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. "Remember that although this job will demand much of you, it is also incredibly rewarding. Your service helps protect thousands of people every day who live and travel throughout South Carolina."

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 Class 129 are assigned, review the information in the link that includes their Troop assignments and photos: https://scdps.sc.gov/schp/classes.

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

"I am honored to be here today to officially welcome you all to the Highway Patrol. Today marks not only the end of your training, and all of the long, difficult hours that got you to this moment, but it is also the beginning of the next great chapter of your lives - your career as a South Carolina state trooper. Wear the badge and uniform with pride and remain consistent, principled, and fair as you protect the communities you serve."

Special awards from Class 129 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 129 Recipient: Anthony Nicolazzo

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

Class 129 Recipient: Brady Vernon

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 129 Recipient: Steele Judy

Photos from the ceremony can be found in the SCDPS online photo album.

For those interested in joining SCHP, please check out the qualifications to apply at JoinSCHP.com.

*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 September 2, 2025.

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.