South Carolina Trooper magazine Spring 2014

1 South Carolina Trooper

South CarolinaTROOPER

Volume 28, Number 1 Spring 2014 www.sctroopers.org

SCTA Welcomes SCHP Basic #92 & #93


David M. Latimer III

Executive DirectorC.E. Cooper

PresidentB.G. Dewitt

Vice PresidentW.C. WestSecretary

D.J. Bron, Jr. Treasurer

SCTA Board of DirectorsSCTA Board of Directors

G.D. RothellTroop One

J.C. Ashley Troop Two

T.E. NanceTroop Three

VACANTTroop Four

M.W. ThompsonTroop Five

VACANTTroop Six

M.D. TomsonTroop Seven

D.G. SpragueHeadquarters

Larry WalkerBPS Representative

H. R. Deese (RET)Retirees Representative

Michael StillSTP Representative

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORMIf you are moving, or have moved, please let us know! Simply fi ll out the information below and mail it to: SCTA Offi ce, 4961 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 or you may fi ll out an online address change at www.sctroopers.org.

RANK: _______ TROOP:______POST:______

NAME:____________________________________

ADDRESS:_________________________________ _________________________________

CITY/STATE _______________________________

ZIP _______________________________

MESSAGE TO OUR ADVERTISERS: As this publication is fi nanced by monies received from advertisements, we express our sincere appreciation for your support. We strive to make this a high quality publication that will provide the best possible exposure for our advertisers. We encourage our members and all our readers to patronize those businesses who make this publication possible.YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE: Comments or suggestions are always welcome! This is your magazine, and we need your ideas for articles in upcoming issues. Send news about your county and troop events, stories, awards, etc. Good quality photos are accepted. Please direct your correspondence to [email protected] THE PUBLISHER: The SCTA is proud to publish the South Carolina Trooper magazine. Graphics by Rachel E. Cambre. Printing by Professional Printers. For advertising questions, please call (800) 633-2236, ext. 10.

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F E AT UF E AT U R ER E S :S :12 SCTA Welcomes SCHP Basic #92

16 SCTA Welcomes SCHP Basic #93

20 Highway Patrolman Finds A Higher Calling with God

22 SCHP Trooper Recognized at Top Cops Award Ceremony

24 2013 Scholarship Recipients

25 Troopers Remembered Through Highway Dedications

26 7 LEO Myths That Stress You Out and Scare Your Family

D E PA RTD E PA RT M E N T SM E N T S4 Letters to the Editor5 Executive Director 6 Director7 Colonel8 Attorney General 9 Chaplain

10 Line of Duty Deaths11 In Memoriam14 Legal Assistance28 Troopers on the Move30 News Briefs34 Store Items

South Carolina Troopers Association4961 Broad River Road ● Columbia, SC 29212

www.sctroopers.org ● [email protected]


Dear SCTA.....Letters to the Editor

Dear SCTA, I am writing to say thank you for selecting me

as a scholarship recipient for this year’s award. I will forever be grateful to you and all of the contributors who were instrumental in providing fi nancial support for these awards. Your contribu-tions, however large or small, make it possible for scholarships to be awarded as encouragement to students who are striving to achieve their educa-tional goals.

Sincerely,India S. GriceDaughter of Captain Anthony K. Grice Troop 7

Dear SCTA, I was most appreciative to receive notifi cation

that the South Carolina Troopers Association had awarded me a scholarship . The help it will pro-vide toward my tuition is a tremendous encour-agement.

The scholarship funds have already been ap-plied toward my tuition at Bob Jones University in Greenville, where I am enrolled with a major in Computer Science. I have been interested in computers for several years and look forward to a career in that fi eld.

Thank you again for the generous scholarship you have provided. As I continue my education, I hope to show myself worthy of your investment.

Sincerely, Nicolas Marsceau

Dear SCTA, I have attached a few photos of my daughter

Taylor and my son Trey (Robert M. Falls III). This is after a night at Boo at The Zoo, and then we went to the State Fair. The guys taking pictures at the gate wanted to take pictures of Trey, and you see what happens. It was a good night for all of us, as we needed a fun family night.

As far as how I am doing, we are fi nishing up with all the doctor visits soon. It has been a very long road for my family and myself. I have healed the best I am going to heal, but I have a few issues that I will have to deal with the rest of my life. I feel the pain every day, but I am learning to handle it and keep pushing forward.

I sure miss being with my patrol family every day, but I still see some of the guys and talk to them often. I would like to say thank you, again, for the support the Troopers Association gave my family and me during the worst time of my life.

Thank you, Robert Falls

ATTENTION SCTA MEMBERS:South Carolina Trooper is YOUR magazine!

If you have news, stories, photographs, awards/achievements, etc. that you would like to share with your fellow SCTA members, please e-mail them to [email protected]@sc.rr.com or send to SCTA Office-ATTN: Editor; 4961 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Show us the lighter side of your job!


Message from the Executive DirectorLet me start by welcoming our recent graduates from Trooper Basic 92

and 93! These men and women represent the very best that society has to offer in service and protection. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has a proud and distinguished history and these recent graduates will ef-fectively carry forward this tradition for decades to come. Additionally, State Transport Police Commander Colonel Leroy Taylor has welcomed several classes of new officers and continues to build the STP into one of the most respected agencies in the Country.

I am pleased to report that Director Smith and Colonel Oliver continue to lobby the General Assembly for additional staffing and for the expan-sion of technologies that will enable our troopers and officers to more efficiently serve the citizens of our State. DPS Leadership continues to recognize the importance of staffing, equipment, and compensation for its employees. We are very fortunate to have a DPS Director that comes from a Highway Patrol lineage.

As we continue to work through the 2014 Legislative session, it is im-portant to remember that many of our members have interaction with our lawmakers. If you are a member with an opportunity to speak with a legislator please remind them how important his or her support of DPS is.

In closing, let me remind all of our members to be safe and equally im-portant to take care of each other.

David M. Latimer III


Message from the DirectorAt the beginning of 2014, I shared with my executive staff a list of the many

accomplishments of our agency from last year. It was an eventful year that brought much progress to our mission, including such highlights as receiving re-accreditation and watching our safety belt use continue to set records. Also, for only the second time in 50 years, South Carolina fi nished the year with less than 800 highway deaths.

These are tremendous accomplishments for our department, but I can never pause for too long before looking at the road ahead. So, as I considered what to share with you for this edition of the South Carolina Trooper magazine, I thought about the one issue that has been on my mind and the mind of every-one in South Carolina – and beyond: the weather.

It is rare to have a snow event that causes considerable disruption to South Carolina, but to experience back-to-back weather events within two weeks was taxing on our citizens and on our personnel charged with keeping them safe.

While many state government employees enjoyed some rare snow holidays, it was no holiday for our troopers and offi cers who were in the thick of some treacherous conditions on the roadways.

I described the fi rst storm of 2014 almost as a “dress rehearsal.” The differ-ence the second time around was that the bad weather was widespread and affected every corner of the state in some way. This resulted in a large mobi-lization, and we called on our partners at SCDNR, SLED, and the National Guard to help us with four-wheel-drive vehicles and to ensure no one was left stranded on the roadways.

We all know how unforgiving this environment can be for fi rst responders and offi cers, often working outside their vehicles. We were so thankful that there were no injuries during this time and much of that credit goes to our per-sonnel’s attention to detail, their own safety, and the safety of others.

I think the numbers from these two weather events truly tell the story. Our troopers responded to more than 8,536 calls for service during the two weather events. This response included 3,307 collisions and 2,353 motorists assisted. Our Community Relations Offi cers and Communications Offi ce conducted more than 487 radio, print, and television interviews. They sent information updates and safety tips through press releases, social media, and the web site, urging people to stay off the road. By and large, the public heeded our warn-ings to stay home, which in turn reduced signifi cantly our collisions and fa-talities. We saw two weather-related deaths during this storm event, which is actually below what we would see during normal weather.

Our Emergency Traffi c Management Unit is constantly evaluating, training, and preparing. We look at all types of scenarios to prepare us for the worst – whether it is a snow storm with a plea for people to stay off the roads or a hur-ricane with an evacuation order.

Our number-one goal is ensuring the safe movement of traffi c and protecting the public during these events. With these recent events, our troopers, offi cers and staff did just that, and they did it well. (Continued on page 11)

Leroy Smith


Message from the ColonelThis is the time of year when the Highway Patrol starts gearing up for a

hectic season that will extend into Fall. We are busy planning for Bike Weeks, teen prom safety presentations, the kickoff of the long summer travel season, and for our Spring ceremony honoring the 50 troopers who have died in the line of duty.

We began our year with roadway dedications, honoring two troopers who lost their lives serving our state. With the help of the SC General Assembly and SCDOT, we held a roadway dedication on January 2 in Spartanburg for Patrol-man Norris Nettles killed in 1942. On January 27, we held a dedication for Patrolman John Ray Riddle, killed in 1961.We look forward to continuing to honor our fallen troopers in this way. This is a meaningful and touching occa-sion regardless of the number of years that may have passed since their death.

Director Smith has addressed our response to the two winter storm events, but let me say, I could not be more proud of our troopers’ efforts, led by our Emergency Traffi c Management Unit. We coordinated closely with the State Emergency Management Division, SCDOT and our other state law enforce-ment partners, and I am grateful for these strong partnerships that allowed us to respond effectively and help keep South Carolinians safe during these unusual weather events.

We continue to work closely with the Governor’s Offi ce and Legislature to monitor our budget and to advocate for the best equipment and resources for our troopers. For the current budget cycle, we have requested additional funds for new troopers and patrol cars, as well as revenue for reclassifi cation and for mobile data.

Last year, the Governor’s Offi ce and Legislature worked to ensure we re-ceived 30 additional troopers for that fi scal year. We are steadily working our way back up to 2008 staffi ng levels when we were at 967.

We have had seven classes in the past four years and four of those classes were held back-to-back. We currently have 792 troopers including a class of 38 recruits that began training on January 24. Our hope is to add another 16 pre-certifi ed offi cers to this class in April. We have already begun recruiting for the summer class and our hope is to again fi ll about 37 slots. Our Employment and Recruiting folks are doing an outstanding job.

Finding just the right applicants that are a fi t for our agency can be challeng-ing and time-consuming. For the most recent class, we had 1,119 applicants and ultimately narrowed the fi eld to 40. I want to encourage our troopers to always be in a “recruiting” mindset, looking for applicants from your commu-nities and as you go about your daily routines.

While growth is good, we have to constantly balance growth in manpower with the need for safe, low-mileage vehicles and technology that will allows us to do our jobs most effectively and effi ciently. Mobile data will allow us to process reports and e-tickets without going to the offi ce, which will help us re-alize a tremendous savings in fuel costs and time freed up to concentrate more on proactive enforcement. (Continued on page 11)

Mike Oliver


Message from the Attorney GeneralEnding human trafficking in

South CarolinaThe traffi cking of humans for any reason is a cruel form of modern day

slavery. Whether for sexual slavery or forced labor, human traffi cking is wrong and unjust. This vicious crime robs victims of their freedom and dignity.

The reality is that human traffi cking takes place every day in our country, in our state, and even in our neighborhoods. In a 2013 federal investigation that spanned four states, including South Carolina, 12 people were indicted on charges of traffi cking women and girls for prostitution from countries including Mexico and Nicaragua.

South Carolina State Troopers are on the front lines of this fi ght. As you know, one of the most challenging aspects in combatting human traffi cking is that signs of abuse are not always obvious. All too often, victims are too afraid to speak out and do not show noticeable signs of abuse. Targets vary greatly and can include citizens, non-citizens, males, females, children and adults. There is no face of human traffi cking. No one is above being a victim.

According to a report released by the U.S. State Department in 2013, only 46,570 out of an estimated 27 million victims of human traffi cking were identifi ed in 2012. Once I realized the severity of this epidemic, I knew that South Carolina had to act.

In 2012, I worked with various law enforcement groups and elected offi cials such as Solicitor Duffi e Stone, Senator Brad Hutto and Representative Nelson Hardwick to strengthen our state’s human traffi cking laws. Because of these efforts, the Polaris Project’s annual report now shows South Carolina having one of toughest human traffi cking statutes in the country rather than one of the worst.

That legislation established a Human Traffi cking Task Force chaired by the Attorney General’s Offi ce. Currently, the taskforce is developing a state plan addressing human traffi cking in South Carolina. That plan will be fi nished this June and we will immediately begin implementing it throughout the state.

Hopefully during this session, the South Carolina House of Representatives will take up legislation to further strengthen our state’s Human Traffi cking laws, which already passed the Senate unanimously and would authorize the State Grand Jury to tackle this heinous crime.

Eradicating human traffi cking in South Carolina will neither be attained in the legislature, nor through public awareness alone. It will only be achieved through vigilance, education and enforcement. Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, which is why it is imperative that all South Carolinians join this fi ght for human dignity. If we all do our part, together, we can stop the criminals who eagerly exploit our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.

Alan Wilson


Message from the Chaplain

I had the pleasure of attending the most recent Highway Patrol gradu-ation ceremony. During his time on the platform, Colonel Oliver made a comment about the difference between an ordinary Trooper and an extra-ordinary Trooper. Governor Haley continued in the same context by point-ing out the differences between a good Trooper and a great Trooper.

Recognizing the differences between good and great and ordinary ver-sus extra-ordinary is not what caused me to ponder. Instead, I considered what would cause one person to achieve greatness where another would fall into the average category. I believe I know the answer. An illustration will help me with my explanation.

During my years on the Highway Patrol, we were required annually to participate in a physical fi tness test. Since I ran two miles, fi ve days a week, the 1.5 mile test run was not a problem for me to pass. However, the test results were a part of my performance appraisal and I wanted to exceed my basic requirements. So, on the test day, we would line up on the start line. The Physical Fitness Instructor would then move forward twenty feet and tell us we could move forward if we wanted to get ahead of the slower runners. I may not have been the fastest runner, but he was offering me a chance to get twenty feet head start. I chose to start as far forward as possible.

What’s my point? The difference between ordinary and extra-ordi-nary is your starting point. Where do you start in your decision making process? You have to make decisions every day. When a violator pulls out fi ve hundred dollars and tells you he doesn’t mind paying the fi ne but would rather not have a paper trail, a great trooper doesn’t have to decide whether or not to accept the deal being offered. His “starting line” is past that point.

What about the stranded motorist or abandoned car? The extra-ordinary Trooper starts the decision making process with where to park instead of considering if he should stop.

Ordinary and average Troopers start their decision making back at the start line. Why not move ahead and save yourself a lot of heartache and grief. The “starting line” is an individual choice that each person makes.

It doesn’t matter what type of person you were yesterday; you cannot change yesterday. It matters who you are now and who you will continue to be tomorrow. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) NIV Ready, set, go!

Richard I. Coleman (RET) SCTA Chaplain

The Starting line


2010 D.K. Cusack (Lancaster)2010 D.K. Cusack (Lancaster)

2009 J.S. Nash (ACE Team)2009 J.S. Nash (ACE Team)

2008 J.D. Haynes (Orangeburg)2008 J.D. Haynes (Orangeburg)

2005 J.W. Parker (Sumter)2005 J.W. Parker (Sumter)

2002 K.J. Johnson (Berkeley)2002 K.J. Johnson (Berkeley)

2002 M.J. Rao (ACE Team)2002 M.J. Rao (ACE Team)

2000 E.F. Nicholson (Greenville)2000 E.F. Nicholson (Greenville)

2000 D.T. Bailey (Greenville)2000 D.T. Bailey (Greenville)

1998 J. Ham Jr. (Darlington)1998 J. Ham Jr. (Darlington)

1997 F.L. Lingard (Orangeburg)1997 F.L. Lingard (Orangeburg)

1996 R.S. Hewitt (Florence)1996 R.S. Hewitt (Florence)

1995 M.A. Chappell (Clarendon)1995 M.A. Chappell (Clarendon)

1994 R.L. Hester (Anderson)1994 R.L. Hester (Anderson)

1992 M.H. Coates (ACE Team)1992 M.H. Coates (ACE Team)

1992 H.M. Godbold (Kershaw)1992 H.M. Godbold (Kershaw)

1991 D.H. O’Brien (Beaufort)1991 D.H. O’Brien (Beaufort)

1991 M.L. Titus (Bamberg)1991 M.L. Titus (Bamberg)

1989 H.M. Coker Jr. (Fairfield)1989 H.M. Coker Jr. (Fairfield)

1988 G.T. Radford (Dillon)1988 G.T. Radford (Dillon)

1987 R.P. Perry Jr. (Williamsburg)1987 R.P. Perry Jr. (Williamsburg)

1985 B.K. Smalls (Jasper)1985 B.K. Smalls (Jasper)

1983 J.R. Clinton (Chester)1983 J.R. Clinton (Chester)

1981 D.L. Alverson (Orangeburg)1981 D.L. Alverson (Orangeburg)

1979 R.A. Mobley (Florence)1979 R.A. Mobley (Florence)

1979 W.E. Peeples (Colleton)1979 W.E. Peeples (Colleton)

1974 B.W. Strickland (Lexington)1974 B.W. Strickland (Lexington)

1973 F.H. Anthony (Greenville)1973 F.H. Anthony (Greenville)

1972 R.O. Caffey (Orangeburg)1972 R.O. Caffey (Orangeburg)

1970 J.A. Traylor (Sumter)1970 J.A. Traylor (Sumter)

1970 A.A. Thomason (Sumter)1970 A.A. Thomason (Sumter)

1969 R.V. Woods (Beaufort)1969 R.V. Woods (Beaufort)

1966 M.C. Steele (Chesterfield)1966 M.C. Steele (Chesterfield)

1961 J.R. Riddle (Clarendon)1961 J.R. Riddle (Clarendon)

1959 H.C. Yonce (Greenwood)1959 H.C. Yonce (Greenwood)

1958 H.B. Ray (Orangeburg)1958 H.B. Ray (Orangeburg)

1956 A.R. Carter (Williamsburg)1956 A.R. Carter (Williamsburg)

1950 A.T. Sealy (Greenville)1950 A.T. Sealy (Greenville)

1942 N. Nettles (Spartanburg)1942 N. Nettles (Spartanburg)

1941 J.P. Monroe (Florence)1941 J.P. Monroe (Florence)

1941 G.G. Broome (Jasper)1941 G.G. Broome (Jasper)

1940 H.M. Smith (Chesterfield)1940 H.M. Smith (Chesterfield)

1939 W. Bell (Lancaster)1939 W. Bell (Lancaster)

1938 L.L. Rhodes (Darlington)1938 L.L. Rhodes (Darlington)

1937 K.E. McNeill (Darlington)1937 K.E. McNeill (Darlington)

1935 E. Hennecy (Florence)1935 E. Hennecy (Florence)

1934 E.D. Milam (Greenville)1934 E.D. Milam (Greenville)

1934 H.M. Reeves (Richland)1934 H.M. Reeves (Richland)

1933 J.D. Cunningham (Spartanburg)1933 J.D. Cunningham (Spartanburg)

1932 W.P. Lancaster (Lee)1932 W.P. Lancaster (Lee)

1931 R. W. McCracken (Chester)1931 R. W. McCracken (Chester)

The South Carolina Troopers Association dedicates this page to our fellow State Troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifi ce while serving the citizens of South Carolina. May their memories live on forever.


Eleanor M. Wactor who passed away May 8, 2013.L/CPL Jesse J. Gasque who passed away July 25, 2013.L/CPL Frank A. Murphy who passed away August 11, 2013.L/CPL Phil Johnson who passed away August 16, 2013.CPT James L. Streater who passed away August 31, 2013.Reda Nell Starnes who passed away September 13, 2013.

Louise L. Blume who passed away November 23, 2013.TFC Isaac S. Martin who passed away December 11, 2013.SGT Jack L. Mahaffey who passed away January 2, 2014.Betty B. Dunbar who passed away February 10, 2014 TCO Arnold L. Bates who passed away on February 13, 2014.

IN MEMORIAM

(Director’s Message, continued from page 6)I have spent a career in law enforcement, and I can

truly say that what we do is never ordinary. We are in the business of saving lives. You can rarely go home and say, “That was an ordinary day.” That is why we have to be on our best game, and as I often say, “We cannot have bad days.” A bad day for some people, in some jobs, may be acceptable or even expected. But for us, our attitudes, our work ethic, and our fl exibility in adverse situations are critical because lives depend on it. Again and again, our employees rise to the occasion.

Let me challenge each of you to continue to work toward the goal of Target Zero in 2014 because while being below 800 fatalities is reason for celebration, I urge you to remember that one life lost on our high-ways is one too many. I want to extend my gratitude to the men and women who are on the frontlines every day. Your professionalism, your character, and your competence continue to make the Highway Patrol and DPS a leader in public safety. I am honored and privi-leged to serve as your director and look forward to what the rest of this year holds for us.

May God bless you in your continued service to our great state.

SCTA Membership Has Its Benefits! • Legal Representation for Active Troopers • Basic Life Insurance, in addition to an Accidental Death Benefit.

(*call or e-mail for specific information)• Emergency Relief Fund• Annual Scholarships• Basic AAA Motor Club Membership (Active Troopers)• National Troopers Coalition Membership (Active Troopers)• Subscription to South Carolina Trooper magazine• The SCTA monitors and pursues legislation that will enhance

public safety and the working conditions of our members. The NTC performs the same task on the national level.

• 20% discount on merchandise at the SCTA Store for SCTA members.

• Member-only discounts to various theme parks and recreation areas. Call or email the SCTA Office for more information.

(Colonel’s Message, continued from page 7)In the past couple of years, we have begun tran-

sitioning from the Crown Victoria as our primary enforcement vehicle. That vehicle is no longer be-ing manufactured; so, we will continue testing and transitioning to other vehicles to comprise our fl eet. Currently, we have approximately 150 new vehicles that will be issued over the next few months. Most of these are Dodge Chargers. The shop is issuing ap-proximately 30 new vehicles per month.

We are also working to address attrition in our support units. We have recently added fi ve addi-tional troopers to the Troop Eight Motor Unit. These troopers serve a critical role in traffi c enforcement, drug interdiction and specials. The Motor Unit has suffered from attrition and adding these slots will al-low us to build those numbers back up and use these support units to assist in our Troops.

I share this information with you because all of these factors must work together to keep us effi cient, competitive and to attract and retain a highly quali-fi ed work force. This, in turn, is absolutely critical to fatality reduction. Everything we do must ultimately have the same end in mind and that is Target Zero as well as offi cer safety.

We are fortunate to have the full support of Direc-tor Smith who is committed and enthusiastic about helping us secure the right equipment and retain and grow a professional workforce that will help us suc-ceed in our Target Zero mission.

Let me end by saying, it is a privilege to lead you. Be safe and know that you have my support and my admiration for your continued commitment to ex-cellence.


Gov. Nikki Haley spoke to the graduates about the sacrifices of law enforcement and the impor-tance of character as they go out to represent their communities around the state. The governor has spoken at the last four Highway Patrol graduation ceremonies.

“You have proven yourself to be able to wear this uniform but now there is something else you have to prove,” Gov. Haley told graduates. “You have brothers and sisters who have come before you and wearing that badge and wearing that uni-form means something,” Haley said. “So when you are out in the community, you have a responsibility. When you are not in uniform they still expect you to have the same integrity, the same demeanor as when you are wearing a uniform.”

Basic 92 will bring the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 762. The troopers began train-ing in January and have been trained by the High-way Patrol and Criminal Justice Academy over the period of 21 weeks in all areas of law enforcement including DUI detection, traffic laws, collision in-vestigation and the use of firearms as well as three weeks of field training.

Director Leroy Smith said, “Being a public servant isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. You

have to have a passion to help one another and I know that passion resides in each and every one of you. Law enforcement is a calling. It is more than just a paycheck. It is more than just a pension. You are now in the lifesaving business. That’s what we do and we do it well.”

SCHP Col. Mike Oliver said, “You have now earned the privilege to wear the grey uniform and campaign hat of a South Carolina state trooper. Your training has been long and difficult, the voca-tion you have taken as a public servant is likewise a difficult journey, your time away from home, however, has been to serve a greater good.”

Benjamin J. Lewis was the recipient of the Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former High-way Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol commander. Lewis also received the Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award which is presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training.

Leland W. Shealy received the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award, presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and ex-celled each day during the early morning exercises.

SCTA Welcomes Newest Troopers: SCHP Basic #92

Benjamin Lewis Leland Shealy

On June 28, 2013, the South Carolina Highway Patrol welcomed 33 members to the ranks of South Carolina’s Finest.


Joshua A. Bennett Lexington

Michael D. Bevins Colleton/Dorchester

Albert J. Blackmon Lancaster/Chesterfi eld

Joseph D. Brown Aiken

Michael A. BruggemanCharleston/Berkeley

John A. Buddin Darlington/Marlboro

Cory A. Cheshire Edgefi eld/McCormick/ Saluda

Timothy D. Clarkson Jasper/Beaufort

Jason S. Dunn Greenville

Tyler C. Fortier Bamberg/Allendale/Hampton

Thomas M. Graham IIIFlorence/Dillon/Marion

Matt hew S. Greene York

Jamallah A. HemingwayHorry

Tessa M. High Orangeburg/Calhoun

Stephen B. Kerr York

Benjamin J. Lewis Florence/Dillon/Marion

Jarrett E. Maff ett Bamberg/Allendale/Hampton

Elijah A. Metherd Georgetown/Williamsburg

Aaron I. Norton Orangeburg/Calhoun

Walter W. Peters Jr. Georgetown/Williamsburg

Christopher K. Robinson Lexington

Bradley J. Sawyer Horry

Matt hew D. Sceviour Charleston/Berkeley

Leland W. Shealy Richland

Keith B. Smith Greenwood/Abbeville

John E. StandardGreenville

Jonathan A. Stephenson Edgefi eld/McCormick/Saluda

Chad M. ThompsonChester/Fairfi eld

Tyler W. Walters Aiken

Jacob P. Wilson Richland

Larry K. Wilson Jr. Oconee/Pickens

Matt hew T. Winkeler Richland

Jordan H. Wright Jasper/Beaufort

Congratulations, Basic 92 and welcome to the

SCHP Family!


A Shooting or an Accident…

Nobody likes to think about it!But, it can happen to any State Trooper, at any time.

There’s a shooting or a serious accident….someone is hurt…you’re involved.

As an SCTA member, you are not alone!

The SCTA is here to protect your rights.

If it happens to you: Don’t panic! Calm down and compose yourself.

Don’t rush into making a statement.

If you are asked to make a statement, call O’Leary Associates

1-866-521-1078O’Leary Associates will provide you with an att orney prior to making a

statement—either on the scene or wherever needed.

Wait until you talk to the SCTA Attorney before making

any statements, oral or written.

The SCTA is serious about protecting you!


With the SCTA’s Legal

Assistance Benefi t…“Do I need Board approval?” NO!

“Do I need the general membership’s approval?” NO!

“Will personalities be involved in my request” NO!

Under the Legal Assistance Benefi t of the SCTA, only three simple questions are asked:

1. Are you an SCTA member in good standing?

2. Were you an SCTA member on the day of the incident?

3. Was the incident within the scope of your offi cial duties as a State Trooper?

As an SCTA member, you have available to you

24-hour, on the scene coverage.

The SCTA is here for you when it counts!

For Legal Assistance,

Contact O’Leary Associates

866.521.1078 or 803.779.5556


Gov. Nikki Haley spoke to the graduates for the fi fth consecutive graduation. Haley said to the new graduates, “You were tested physically and you suc-ceeded. You were tested mentally and you proved you were up for the challenge. And now you wear the uniform, and that uniform means so much. When you walk into a room, you are automatically respected.”

Basic 93 will bring the total number of troop-ers in South Carolina to 773. Over the course of 21 weeks, the troopers were trained by the Highway Patrol and Criminal Justice Academy in all areas of law enforcement including DUI detection, traffi c laws, collision investigation and the use of fi rearms, as well as three weeks of fi eld training for a total of 24 weeks of training.

“This is a proud day for the State of South Carolina when we can add such an outstanding group of men and women to our ranks and strengthen our law enforce-ment presence statewide,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “We are grateful for the continued support of Gov. Haley and our State Legislature to help make our roadways safer.”

Col. Mike Oliver encouraged Basic 93 to contin-ue to build upon the tradition and legacy of the men and women who have laid the groundwork for the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

“The Highway Patrol has continued to grow and change to meet the evolving needs of our state, but what doesn’t change is the pride and tradition on which this organization was founded, and we are confi dent that this group will continue to build on this tradition.”

Tonya G. Kelley received the Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award, pre-sented to the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colo-nel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol com-

mander. Anthony T. Ashley received the Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award, presented to the trooper with the best marks-manship during fi rearms training. David G. Jackson received the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award, presented to the trooper who excelled on both the physi-cal training test and the daily early morning exercises.

SCTA Welcomes Newest Troopers:

SCHP Basic #93

Tonya G. Kelley

David G. Jackson Anthony T. Ashley

On December 19, 2013, the South Carolina Highway Patrol welcomed 37 members to the ranks of South Carolina’s Finest.


Anthony T. Ashley Greenville

Hunter J. Bair Horry

Joseph D. Bedard Greenville

Travis L. Clemens Colleton/Dorchester

Benjamin L. Crocker Berkeley/Charleston

Cuata Hernandez Cesar Beaufort/Jasper

Julian Czeiszperger Berkeley/Charleston

Orlando Devers Richland

Brandon C. Faircloth Darlington/Marlboro

Brett A. Finley Greenville

Michael A. Gabriele Laurens/Newberry

Zackary T. Garrison Kershaw/Lee

Robert P. GreenLexington

Destiny P. Hamlin Richland

Hans P. Helland Richland

David G. Jackson Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton/Barnwell

Tonya G. Kelley Abbeville/Greenwood

Erik S. Klemm Greenville

Kyle M. Kovalchek Lexington

Brandon W. Lee Lexington

Stephen M. Lowder, Jr.Sumter/Clarendon

Erik S. Lutes Colleton/Dorchester

Laura A. Maule Beaufort/Jasper

Kyle W. McDaniel Spartanburg

Cathy R. Miller Dillon/Florence/Marion

Daniel E. Millwood Jr. Cherokee/Union

Christopher J. Nicholls Spartanburg

William B. Phipps Horry

Chadburn E. Reid Dillon/Florence/Marion

Teviin T. Riley Richland

James B. Ruff III Edgefi eld/McCormick/Saluda

Christopher D. Sellars Anderson

William B. Sprouse III Laurens/Newberry

Spencer L. Stoertz Lexington

Matt hew A. Taylor Greenville

Henry M. Waldrop Berkeley/Charleston

Cheryl J. Wingo Greenville

Congratulations, Basic 93,

and welcome to the SCHP Family!


Mens: Stainless Only

Womens: Two-Tone Only


Eric AgueroGoose Creek, SC

Tony KeenanKeenan’s Auto Service, Inc.Greenville, SC

Dr. Edgar H. Batcheller, Jr.Jacksonville, NC

Roger W. KirschnerRWK Enterprises, Inc.Myrtle Beach, SC

Connie BaxleyMcCall’s Inc. of JohnsonvilleJohnsonville, SC

William M. MoserKelley-Moser ConsultingLexington, SC

Douglas J. CampbellLancaster, SC

Atul Hira PatelGreenville, SC

James R. DickersonSpartanburg, SC

Sheila Cusack FloydLake City, SC

Swain PiverPiver CorporationConway, SC

Brooks QuinnHilton Head, SC

Fred E. HandselCarolina Mortuary Service & CremationCharlott e, NC Michael RayLitigation Support Services, LLCMyrtle Beach, SC

Troy HighSantee, SC

Bill SimsThe Bill Sims CompanyChapin, SC

Michael Jeff coatAtt orney at LawLexington, SC

Burchill T. SweeneyRoanoke, VA

John A. VolinoPiedmont, SC

The SCTA would like to extend a sincere “Thank You”

to our loyal Sponsor Members:

If you are interested in becoming an SCTA Sponsor, please contact the SCTA Offi ce, 1.800.633.2236, ext. 10, or via e-mail:offi [email protected].


The following article was originally published February 2, 2014, at www.goupstate.com and is being reprinted with permission.

Veteran S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Billy Elder will trade in his gun and patrol car for a Bible, pulpit and new church family later this month as he becomes the full-time pastor of Silica Springs Baptist Church.

Lance Cpl. Elder is a third-generation officer, follow-ing in the footsteps of his father, Wayne Elder, and grand-father, Max Wallace. Elder now serves as the community relations officer and High-way Patrol spokesman for seven counties.“Law enforcement tends

to run in families; they say it gets in your blood,” Elder said. “I have several cousins who are police officers, an uncle retired from SLED, so it tends to be a family affair. But sometimes God has other plans.”

Elder, who was raised in a Christian family, first felt the calling to go into the min-istry when he was 29 years old. In 2005, he went to his former supervisor and current Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller with intentions of ten-dering his resignation to start seminary full time.

“The Lord was dealing with me about preaching, and I actually came in that day to resign from the Highway Patrol,” Elder remembers. “My whole adult life, I had been a police officer, but I would think about the ministry before I went to sleep at night and when I would wake up, 2 Timothy 4:1-2 would hit me in the face. It would all but consume me.”

The verse states, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and

careful instruction.”At that time, Mueller was able to offer Elder flexible

scheduling so he could attend classes at night and still perform his trooper duties. Often, Mueller said Elder would work three shifts a week to juggle his classes and shifts.“I was going to school and working and preaching ev-

ery chance I could get,” Elder said. “I would preach in nursing homes, or street preaching, and as I went on, the

Lord opened more and more doors.”

He would fill in for pastors and started preaching in re-vival services.

“During that time, the Lord pressed on me that I needed to focus more on pastoring than preaching,” he said.

In 2012, Elder received his Doctorate in Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Georgia and he began talking with local churches and those as far away as Pennsylvania and Tennessee.“I was willing to go wherever

the Lord opened a door,” Elder said.

As it turns out, the door was only five minutes from his house — much to the delight of his wife, Kimberly, and his 10-year-old son, Seth.

In August 2013, the Silica Springs Baptist Church con-gregation asked Elder to serve as their interim pastor af-ter their full-time pastor left to take a similar role at his childhood church.

“From the minute we walked in the door, we knew the Lord has sent us here to minister,” Elder said. “But we never realized how quickly we would become attached to the people here.”

The last Sunday in December, the church members

S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Lance Cpl. Billy Elder stands inside Silica Springs Baptist Church. Elder said he will be leaving his post to serve as the full-time minister at the church. Photo by Michael Justus, Herald-Journal.

Highway Patrolman Finds A Higher Calling with God

Elder leaving the force to pastor Gaffney fl ockBy Lynne P. Shackleford /[email protected]


asked Elder to become their full-time pastor, and he immedi-ately knew he would accept the call. He then gave the High-way Patrol his notice to leave at the end of February.

“One thing I know for sure is being a trooper is a full-time job, and there’s not time to do both,” Elder said.

Elder left the Highway Patrol in February, after 19 years of service. At 20 years, he could’ve purchased his state retire-ment and received benefits, but Elder said he didn’t want to put the Lord on the back burner. “The safest place in the world is in the center of God’s

will,” Elder said. “It’s a leap of faith, but it’s one that I’m more than willing to take.”

Mueller said the paths he and Elder have taken are similar — Mueller left the Highway Patrol to run for the sheriff’s post on a leap of faith.“This is a calling Billy has had for the last eight or nine

years,” Mueller said. “He has an amazing heart for ministry, and I’m excited to see him take this leap of faith. He has a lot of years invested in the Highway Patrol, but this is God’s calling and I’m proud for him and glad that he’ll shepherd the flock of a local church.”

Silica Springs Baptist Church on Pacolet Highway in Gaffney has more than 100 people during Sunday services, and people come from Gaffney, Pacolet, Chesnee and Union to attend, Elder said.

“You know, looking back on my ministry and the life of this church, you can see that God had it in mind all along for it to work out this way,” he said.

Pastor Bob Finley, the interim pastor of White Plains Bap-tist Church and a close friend of Elder, said Elder is accus-tomed to being on-call, but now he has a higher calling.

“I’m telling you, the devil is shuddering that Billy is giv-ing up his patrol car for the pulpit,” Finley said. “Billy has a strong commitment to preach the Gospel. He loves the word and studies it and has a real desire to preach.”

Lt. & Mrs. Don Crain (RET) proudly welcomed their fi rst grandchild, Eleanor Elise Ruf, on May 13, 2013.


It has been over a year since the accident hap-pened involving our son, Lane Ross. Around the one year mark, we learned that Chuck had been selected as an honorable mention award winner for the Top Cops Award in Washington, DC. He was selected as the sole recipient for the state of South Carolina for his actions on April 5, 2012, for saving the life of our son.

While we were all surprised and excited, having Lane experience this with his dad was a top prior-ity. The South Carolina Troopers Association was a major contributor in allowing Lane, as well as our whole family, to have the opportunity to experience this award ceremony and to be a part of National Police Week.

We drove to Washington with Corporal Jason Cartier, who nominated Chuck for this award. We spent the fi rst day touring Washington and showing Lane and our two daughters, Paizlei and Bailei, all the wonderful monuments and memorials from our great nation. This was the fi rst time our children

experienced the underground metro and the busy lifestyle of a big city. The highlight of the day was our trip to Arlington National Cemetery.

After touring the many gravesites of soldiers and others who died for our nation, we visited the eternal fl ame at President Kennedy’s gravesite. The atmosphere around this area is one that you have to experience to understand the feeling that you get.

Observing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is an experience that not only shows the bravery, but the camaraderie that ex-ists among law enforcement and military personnel. We were also able to tour the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall before heading out to the Washington national baseball game where Top Cop Award winners were honored.

We fi nished off the night at the Top Cops Awards Banquet. We were hosted to a wonderful dinner and had the fortunate experience to meet many celebri-ties who are on the committee that choose the Top Cop Award winners. We were also introduced to

SCHP Trooper Recogonized at Top Cops Award Ceremony in Washington, DC

Kathi Ross

Lane Ross, with his dad, S/TPR Charles L. Ross, II at NAPO’s Top Cop Awards Ceremony


other award-winning law enforcement offi cers who risked their lives to save others.

During the ceremony, all the facts of each of-fi cer’s act of bravery were portrayed in a video. Seeing these offi cers and watching these stories on video makes one understand the selfl essness these offi cers exhibit on a daily basis.

As a spouse, I was proud that my family was able to watch Chuck receive his award at this prestigious ceremony. The look on Lane’s face at the award ceremony is one that will forever be remembered. Chuck decided to give Lane his Top Cop Award because in Chuck’s eyes, Lane was the one who rep-resented the courage, strength and will to survive.

We concluded the trip the next day observing law enforcement offi cers representing departments from all over the world at the National Police Memorial. We were able to meet and introduce Lane to mem-bers of the Coates and Rao families, survivors of two South Carolina State Troopers killed in the line of duty. The feelings you have for these families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty cannot be put

into words. These are very strong people who will continue to have our blessings everyday.

As much as it was an honor to see Chuck receive his award, it was a bigger honor to meet these fami-lies whose loved ones have given the ultimate sacri-fi ce. We accompanied the families, along with Major Melvin Warren, to the police memorial and ceremony. To see the whole city of Washington shut down to honor these families is an experience one will never forget. Law enforcement offi cers escorted the surviv-ing families into downtown Washington to the Police Memorial Wall. This ceremony lasted into the night, with all the names of the offi cers killed in the line of duty being added to the wall. A candlelight vigil was held and the thin blue line was lit to honor these of-fi cers. The trip to Washington, DC, was a once in a life time event.

We would like to thank the SCTA for affording us the opportunity to watch Chuck receive his Top Cop Award, as well as to have the honor to experience Na-tional Police Week.


2013 Scholarship Recipients2013 Scholarship RecipientsIn 2013, as in years past, the South Carolina Troopers Association proudly awarded $5,000.00 in scholarships.

Scholarships are available to SCTA members in good standing as well as dependents of the SCTA members. Congratulations to the 2013 Scholarship Recipients, and best of luck to all of them in their scholastic endeavors.

Be sure to check the website, www.sctroopers.org, for the 2014 Scholarship Application.

India Shayla Grice, daughter of CPT & Mrs. Anthony K. Grice, graduated from Manning High School. She at-tends South Carolina State University in Orangeburg where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is also a student athletic trainer at the college. India enjoys cheerleading as well as watching football and basket-ball.

Jacob O. Reome is the son of Retired CPL & Mrs. O. Rod Reome. Jacob is a native of Gaffney. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and working with his hands. Jacob enjoys just about anything outdoors. He is a rising sophomore at Clemson University where he is majoring in civil engineering, and he is also an angler on the Clemson bass fishing team.

Player William Long, son of Retired L/CPL & Mrs. J. Larry Long, from Bamberg, wrestled in high school, earning two Individual State Champi-onships. He enjoys golfing, playing video games and spending time with family and friends. Player attends the University of South Carolina-Colum-bia where he is majoring in Political Science. He is considering a career in law enforcement forensics or becom-ing an attorney.

Isabella J. Tornabene is the daughter of Retired L/CPL & Mrs. Dwayne D. Tornabene. Isabella is from Summerville, SC, and attends Winthrop University where she is majoring in Elementary Education. Some of her hobbies include playing the piano and violin, and singing. She also participates in the youth group at Ashley Ridge Church and works in the children’s church, too.

Nicolas Marsceau, son of Retired L/CPL & Mrs. Daniel G. Marsceau, is a Bob Jones Academy graduate from Greer. He enjoys reading, computer programming, playing video games, and working out. Nicolas attends Bob Jones University in Greenville and is majoring in Computer Science. He works in the university’s Information Technology (IT) Department and runs his own freelance website design business. Nicolas was among approx-

imately 1,450 Bob Jones University students who were named to the Fall 2013 Dean’s List.


On August 2, 2013, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the SC Department of Transportation held a highway dedication in honor of Patrolman L. Lawson Rhodes, a Darlington native, who died in the line of duty in 1938.

The portion of U.S. 52 from its intersection with

Juniper/Macedonia Church Road to the intersection with Highway 1 in Chesterfi eld County was named the Patrolman Lide Lawson Rhodes Memorial Highway “in memory of the heroic acts of this son of South Carolina who made the ultimate sacrifi ce while in the line of duty.”

Rhodes was killed on his patrol motorcycle. He was survived by his parents, two siblings and a fi ancée. Rhodes had only been on the Patrol for two years at the time of his death. His sister, Ms. Eunice Rhodes Howle, and other family members attended the ceremony and helped to unveil the highway sign in his honor.

The family wrote of Rhodes: “Tender-hearted and fun-loving, his passing left an empty spot in their family that could not be fi lled. His love of life was contagious and the memories of his personality remain strong.”

On January 2, 2014, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the SC Department of Transportation held a highway dedication in honor of Patrolman Norris Nettles who died in the line of duty on January 4, 1942. Nettles was a native of Colleton County. A portion of Union Street in Spartanburg County from its intersection with Cedar Springs Road to its intersection with Southport Road was named the “SCHP Patrolman Norris Nettles Memorial Highway.”

Rhodes was on duty in Spartanburg County when he was attacked by four assailants during a traffi c stop. Patrolman Nettles was shot with his own weapon and was taken to a local hospital but died a short time later. The four assailants were charged with his death. Patrolman Nettles was a three-year veteran of the Patrol. His father was Police Chief for the town of Yemassee and also died in the line of duty seven years later.

Patrolman Nettles’ family attended the dedication including his brother M.C. Nettles, 92, and sister, Marian Munn.

Patrolmen Honored by Highway Dedications Patrolman L. Lawson Rhodes

EOW July 13, 1938Patrolman Norris Nettles

EOW January 4, 1942

On October 14, 2013, a section of Interstate 95 in Darlington County (between mile markers 165-167) was dedicated to Lance Corporal Jacob Ham, Jr., a South Carolina Highway Patrolman who died in the line of duty on February 8, 1998.

Lance Corporal Ham was on duty when he suffered a heart attack and died as he was trying to subdue and arrest a suspect during a traffi c stop. Ham was a twelve year veteran of the Patrol. A ceremony was held in his honor at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Lance Corporal Jacob Ham, Jr.EOW February 8, 1998


7 LEO Myths That Stress You Out and Scare Your Family

By Charles RemsbergPoliceOne Senior Correspondent

Seven persistent, negative myths about law enforcement are needlessly deepening offi cer stress, damaging recruitment, and generating unnecessary anxiety and fear in cop families, says a popular re-searcher and trainer in the fi eld of police psychology.

In a hard-hitting presentation at the ILEETA annual training conference, Dr. Alexis Artwohl challenged widely held misconceptions about the danger, emotional trauma, alcoholism, divorce rate, premature mortality, suicide incidence, and burnout associated with police work.

She set the record straight with well-documented fi ndings that offi cers overwhelmingly are well-grounded, mentally healthy, and resilient.

“Of course, some people fail to thrive in law enforcement, as with any profession,” she says. “But certain prevailing beliefs about the personal risks of a policing career are extreme exag-gerations and need to be corrected.”

Artwohl is a faculty member with the certifi cation course in Force Science Analysis and is co-author of the best-selling book, Deadly Force Encounters. She formerly served law enforcement as a clinical and police psychologist in the Pacifi c Northwest.

Here’s a fi ction-versus-fact summary of the falla-cies she addressed at ILEETA.

MYTH #1: Law Enforcement is Among the Top Five Most Dangerous Jobs

“There’s no doubt policing can be dangerous, but it’s not even in the top 13 of the most dangerous occupations,” Artwohl says.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,

loggers are the most likely to be killed on the job. Even farmers are twice as likely as cops to experi-ence a work-related death.

Police rank 14th in danger, between heavy equipment operators and electricians.

When it comes to death from homicide, taxi drivers and chauffeurs are at greatest risk—more than four times likelier than cops to be murdered.

That’s not to belittle the risks offi cers are exposed to or to encourage complacency,

Artwohl emphasizes. Rather, she says, it shows that “offi cers are pretty

skilled at keeping themselves safe and alive in threatening circumstances.”

MYTH #2: A Shooting Will Likely Cause Signifi cant Emotional Problems and a Career Change

“We’ve all heard alarming al-legations about offi cer-involved

shootings,” Artwohl says. “It’s claimed that two-thirds of offi cers in

shootings have serious traumatic reactions and that 70 percent leave law enforcement within seven years.

“That’s absolutely untrue,” Artwohl says. Multi-ple studies have found that while short-term emo-tional reactions are common, “the vast majority of offi cers cope very well with shootings,” reporting only “mild, transitory symptoms.” In one study of 540 shooting survivors, only two ever fi led workers comp claims for psychological problems afterward.

And quitting the job is extremely rare. In a study of nearly 1,000 offi cers, more than 80 percent re-ported no post-shooting change in their job satisfac-tion. Indeed, 8 percent even found their work “more enjoyable” after their OIS. One researcher reports that


30 percent of offi cers received a promotion post-shooting.

“Individual reactions vary,” Artwohl says. “If an offi cer does experience adverse emotional problems that seem overwhelming and chronic, he or she should defi nitely seek professional help, without being stigmatized.”

MYTH #3: LEOs Abuse Alcohol More than Other Occupations

After digging into this subject, Artwohl conclud-ed that “there is no research whatsoever that docu-ments an unusually high level of alcoholism among police offi cers.”

The same determination was reached by another police psychologist who examined data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, comparing alcoholism rates by occupation. Indeed, that researcher identifi ed eight other occupations that have a signifi cantly higher rate than cops, Art-wohl says.

“Although there’s a widespread belief that mas-sive amounts of alcohol are consumed by police, there is very little rigorous research on this topic,” she says. “If you hear people say this, challenge them to come up with studies to prove it.”

MYTH #4: LEOs Have a Higher Divorce Rate than Other People

“Again, absolutely not true,” Artwohl asserts. “An analysis of U.S. census data reveals that police offi cers, detectives, and their supervisors actually have a lower divorce rate than the national aver-age for other occupations and for what would be expected from their demographic profi le. This has held true for more than a century.”

A subcategory of transit and railroad police, for example, ranks among the fi ve occupations with the lowest divorce rate, about the same as the clergy.

One social scientist concludes: “There are no data to demonstrate that law enforcement…has a statistically signifi cant negative impact upon mar-riages.”

MYTH #5: Most Cops Die Within Five Years of Retirement

As a sampling, pension records in Arizona and California show otherwise, Artwohl points out. They document that male LEOs, who typically retire at age 55, live an average of 24 more years (to 79), while females live an average of 29 years post-retirement (to 84).

“It’s possible other jurisdictions have different death rates,” she says, “but there are no studies that prove a cop on the force today is automatical-ly doomed to an early death as a result of serving in law enforcement.”

MYTH #6: LEOs Have a Higher-than-average Suicide Rate

“It’s always controversial to say this is a myth,” Artwohl admits, “because police offi cers do have a higher suicide rate when compared to the gen-eral population. But that’s an invalid comparison.

“Males as a whole are more likely to kill them-selves than are women. Since law enforcement is predominately a male profession, that skews the statistics. If you compare cops to their demo-graphic peers in other professions — matching for gender, age, race, and so on — you get an entirely different picture.”

With that comparison, multiple studies have shown the police suicide rate actually to be lower than the norm. “LEOs are 26 percent less likely to kill themselves than their demographi-cally matched peers in nonpolice occupations,” Artwohl says. “To keep from feeding the myth, researchers need to be careful to always do de-mographic matching before reaching any conclu-sions and to be certain their statistics are gathered from a large sample over a long span of time.”

MYTH #7: Burnout is Inevitable in Law En-forcement

“The image of cynical, burned-out cops who hate their job and the public they serve is a disser-vice to law enforcement,” Artwohl says. “Again, responsible research shows a much more positive picture.” (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32)


LT Bobby J. Albert, Troop 1 HQ, promoted to Captain and transferred to Troop 4 effective 05/02/13.

LT Anthony K. Grice, Troop 7 HQ, promoted to Captain effective 05/02/13.

F/SGT Stacy A. Craven, Troop 3 HQ, promoted to Lieutenant effective 08/17/13.

SGT James R. LaChance, Troop 7 Post C Aiken, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

SGT Christopher M. Shelton, Troop 1 Post C Lexington, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

SGT Kyle V. Welch, Troop 7, Post A Berkeley/Charleston, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

CPL Curtis A. Burns, Troop 7, Post A Allendale/Bamberg/Barnwell/Hampton, promoted to Sergeant effective 10/02/13.

CPL Arthur M. Gordon, Troop 4, Post A, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

CPL Josepha Ham, Troop 1, Post B, promoted to Sergeant effective 10/02/13.

CPL Carroll S. Harrelson, II, Troop 1, Post C, promoted to Sergeant effective 10/02/13.

CPL Darek A. McMurry, Troop 6, Post B, promoted to Sergeant effective 10/02/13.

CPL Oliver Milhouse, Jr., Troop 4, Post C Chester/Fairfield, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

CPL Gerald D. Rothell, Troop 1, Post C Lexington, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/13.

CPL John M. Spencer, Patrol HQ-Training, promoted to Sergeant effective 08/17/13.

L/CPL Edward W. Collins, II, Patrol HQ, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Kenneth W. Collins, Patrol HQ Training promoted to Corporal effective 11/17/13.

L/CPL Edgar M. Enxuto, Patrol HQ-ACE Team promoted to Corporal and transferred to Troop 6, Post B Colleton/Dorchester effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Denard T. Gates, Troop 7, Post A Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton/Barnwell, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Michael M. Geter, Sr., Troop 5, Post A Darlington/Marlboro, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Kevin G. Ginn, Troop 1, Post C Lexington, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Luther W. Harmon, III, Troop 2, Post C, promoted to Corporal effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL Phillip W. Harrell, Troop 4, Post B, promoted to Corporal effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL Jeremy S. Heaton, Troop 2, Post B Abbeville/Greenwood, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Patrick H. Hunt, Troop 5, Post C, promoted to Corporal effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL Jeremy T. Leach, Troop 8 MAIT Pee Dee, promoted to Corporal effective 09/02/13.

L/CPL William T. Rhyne, Patrol HQ, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL James J. Roberts, Troop 5, Post B Dillon/Florence/Marion, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Robert H. Rowe, Jr., Troop 1, Post C, promoted to Corporal effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL Russell F. Thompson, Troop 3, Post D Spartanburg, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL James A. Turner, Troop 2, Post A Laurens/Newberry, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

L/CPL Joseph H. White, Troop 4, Post A, promoted to Corporal effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL Michael J. Zang, Patrol HQ, promoted to Corporal effective 07/17/13.

CPT Clifton B. Hughes, Troop 1, transferred to Patrol HQ effective 05/02/13.

F/SGT Lee K. Guempel Troop 4, Post C Chester/Fairfield, transferred to Post B York effective 07/17/13.

SGT Everick Patterson, Patrol HQ Training, transferred to Troop 1 Post D Richland effective 07/17/13.

T R O O P E R S O N T H E M O V E

PROMOTIONS

TRANSFERS


L/CPL Kristopher K. Bratcher, Troop 3, transferred to Patrol HQ-MAIT-Piedmont effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL William L. Keith, Troop 4, transferred to Patrol HQ-MAIT-Midlands effective 10/02/13.

L/CPL (temp) James F. Jones was reappointed to Troop 2, Post B Abbeville/Greenwood effective 04/02/13.

LT John J. Kesler, Troop 3 HQ, retired 07/08/13.

LT David B. Linehan, Troop 4 HQ, retired 09/03/13.

SGT. Kenneth E. Branham II, Patrol HQ Training retired 11/14/13.

CPL Jason A. Cartier, Troop 4, Post B York resigned 02/16/14.

CPL Michael W. Jones, Troop 2, Post A Laurens/Newberry, retired 06/28/13.

CPL Jeffrey S. Malone, STP-Union, retired 04/29/13.

CPL Eric L. Thompson, Troop 2, Post C Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda, retired 04/27/13.

L/CP (temp) L Samuel E. Bird, Patrol HQ ACE Team resigned 10/23/13.

L/CPL Travis T. Blackwelder, Patrol HQ ACE Team, resigned 06/28/13.

L/CPL Jason T. Briggs, Troop 5, Post D Horry, resigned 07/07/13.

L/CPL Shawn D. Brookshire, Troop 2, Post B Abbeville/Greenwood resigned 09/01/13.

L/CPL Clyde R. Cochrane, Troop 6 Post A Berkeley/Charleston, retired 04/30/13.

L/CPL Richard A. Denham, Troop 5, Post B Dillon/Florence/Marion resigned 12/02/13.

L/CPL Luther J. Faulk, II, Patrol HQ-SIT Team, resigned 07/04/13.

L/CPL (temp) Richard Kelley, Patrol HQ SIT Region II, resigned 05/02/13.

L/CPL Michael Laginestra, Troop 3 Post B Oconee/Pickens, resigned 04/04/13.

L/CPL Jeffrey L. Martin, Troop 4, Post A Cherokee/Union, resigned 05/01/13.

L/CPL Marty M. McCants, Troop 5 Post B Dillon/Florence/Marion resigned, 06/12/13.

L/CPL (temp) Frank A. Murphy, Troop 4, Post C Chester/Fairfield, deceased 08/11/13.

L/CPL John A. Poston, Troop 6, Post A Berkeley/Charleston, resigned 05/16/13.

L/CPL William S. Skinner, III, Troop 1, Post B Sumter/Clarendon, resigned 07/26/13.

L/CPL (temp) Bernard Williams, Patrol HQ-Insurance Enforcement, resigned 05/22/13.

L/CPL Edward A. Walker, Troop 8 ACE Team retired 02/24/14.

L/CPL Larry K. Walker, Troop 4 Post A Cherokee/Union retired 01/21/14.

S/TRP James B. Enzor, Patrol HQ ACE Team resigned 11/14/13.

S/TRP Jonathan M. Simmons, Troop 5, Post D Horry, resigned 05/16/13.

S/TRP Dequawn R. Smith, Troop 7, Post C Aiken, resigned 04/16/13.

S/TRP Jack W. Tompkins, IV, Troop 1, Post D, resigned 10/01/13.

S/TRP Courtney K. Town, Troop 6, Post A Berkeley/Charleston, resigned 06/21/13.

S/TRP John K. Tyner, Troop 6, Post B Colleton/Dorchester, resigned 05/16/13.

TRP Michael A. Bruggeman, Troop 6, Post A Berkeley/Charleston resigned 02/06/14.

TFC Christopher J. Grimes, Troop1 Post C Lexington, resigned 09/15/13.

TRP Melissa R. Buck, Troop 1, Post A Kershaw/Lee, resigned 10/23/13.

TRP John E. Collins, Troop 3, Post D, resigned 11/11/13.

TRP Mark T. Haithcock, Troop 6, Post C Beaufort/Jasper, resigned 06/28/13.

TRP Justin M. Pate, Troop 5, Post C Georgetown/Williamsburg, resigned 04/07/13.

TRP Chadburn E. Reid, Troop 5, Post B Dillon/Florence/Marion resigned 01/31/14.

TRP Ryan M. Savje, Troop 1, Post C Lexington resigned 02/02/14.

TCO Manager Donald E. Chaplin, Patrol HQ-Charleston TCO, retired 09/10/13.

TCO Tanya M. Bell, Patrol HQ Greenwood, TCO resigned 12/16/13.

TCO Lisa J. Carrigg, Patrol HQ-Blythewood TCC resigned, 08/31/13.

TCO Pamela Y Hickman, Patrol HQ-Florence TCC resigned 10/30/13.

TCO Melaton M. Ivory, Greenwood TCC, resigned 04/05/13.

APPOINTMENTS

SEPARATIONS

TRANSFERS (continued)


News BriefsNews Briefs

On August 8, 2013, SCHP Troop 4 Post A (Cherokee / Union) had a cook-out with the NC Highway Patrol at the Grassy Pond Fire Department in Gaffney, SC. This was started several years ago between the troopers in Cherokee County, SC and the toopers in Cleveland County, NC. They take turns hosting it each year and this year, F/Sgt. J.T. Benfi eld Jr. (SCHP), put on a good meal of BBQ and beef brisket.

Bobby Albert:“ An Everyday Hero”

By: Jacob Reome An everyday hero is someone who does something everyday to benefi t other people. That is exactly what

CPL Bobby Albert, a 16-year veteran of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, does. He patrols the highway here in South Carolina protecting the citizens from crime while trying to reduce

the amount of fatal collisions on our highways. But this everyday hero does not stop there; he also is a Command Sgt Major in the Army National Guard where he has served for 22 years, two tours of duty overseas, one year in Bosnia, one year in Afghanistan. That is a total of two years of sacrifi ce away from his family to protect us from terrorism.

While stationed in Afghanistan he decided he wanted to do something more to give something back to our community. He went to Columbia for a two-week class on his off time to learn to teach a class that will teach the kids of Cherokee County to drive defensively. The class, “Alive At 25,” is sponsored by the National Safety council.

This is another reason in the long list of others that makes Bobby Albert an everyday hero. Statistics show that by him teaching this class on his off time from the highway patrol he could reduce the chance of our teenage drivers being involved in a fatal crash by 96%.

According to the National Safety Council more than three thousand three hundred drivers from the ages 15 to 20 are killed each year in traffi c fatalities. The hope is that Bobby Albert’s everyday heroics of teaching this class will decrease Cherokee counties contribution to this statistic of deadly teenage car crashes.

This everyday hero has an impact not only on our nation, but our community, also.


Seventh Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette said the num-ber of drunken-driving cases is dropping in Spartanburg County, thanks to efforts of offi cers like the recipient of the county's law enforcement excellence award.

S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Kevin Ellis received the top honor, the Solicitor's Award, Tuesday, October 29, 2014, during a banquet for Spartanburg County law en-forcement sponsored by the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Offi ce.

A Gaffney native, Ellis graduated from Clemson in 1997 and consistently leads his peers in monthly activity reports. So far in 2013, he has investigated nearly 250 crashes and written 1,700 tickets and 1,000 warnings, Barnette said. Ellis has also arrested more than two dozen drivers on DUI charges.

People are getting the message, Barnette said — "Don't drink and drive in Spartanburg County."

Ellis received a plaque, a BMW to drive for a weekend and a two-night stay in Myrtle Beach.

A committee of law enforcement offi cers choose the So-licitor's Award recipients each year, along with fi nalists.

Finalists for 2013, who receive investigative excellence awards, are:

Narcotics offi cer Dan Swad of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Offi ce. Swad led Operation Poison Ivy with the Pacolet Police Department this year, which resulted in 40

arrests on 90 charges related to a variety of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphet-amine and prescription drugs.

John "Dale" Owens of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Offi ce, whose career has included the seizure of 30 pounds of meth, 5,264 pills, 750 pounds of cocaine and more than a ton of marijuana as a patrol deputy.

Degraffi nreid of the Spartanburg Public Safety Depart-ment, who works with victims of domestic violence and acts as a teacher and mentor to other offi cers.

Dana Dillard of the Spartanburg Public Safety Depart-ment, who is known for her efforts in working vulnerable adult cases or sexual assaults involving children.

Deputy clerk of court Gail Moffi tt, who has worked in the county criminal justice system for 45 years, received the Bill Barnet Service Above Self Award. She received a standing ovation as she received her award from Solicitor Barnette.

Spartanburg County Sheriff's Deputy Bill Meyer was also recognized for his work in assisting the solicitor's of-fi ce in identifying repeat offenders. This often leads to a suspect's bond being revoked, Barnette said.

"We've been doing bond revocation motions and they're working, folks," Barnette said. "This individual has helped make our community safer."

Trooper Receives Law Enforcement Award From 7th Circuit Solicitor's Offi ce

By Jenny Arnold ([email protected])Reprinted from www.goupstate.com

S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Kevin Ellis is recognized by Solicitor Barry Barnette with the 2013 Solicitor's Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence during an awards ceremony October 29, 2013 Photo by MICHAEL JUSTUS/[email protected]


On May 28, 2013, SCTA President Chris Cooper swore in the following Board Members: M.D. Tomson, Troop 7 and On May 28, 2013, SCTA President Chris Cooper swore in the following Board Members: M.D. Tomson, Troop 7 and D.G. Sprague, Headquarters.D.G. Sprague, Headquarters.

SCTA Swears in Board Members

M.D. TomsonM.D. Tomson D.G. SpragueD.G. Sprague

Have you had a recent status change, includingpromotion, retirement, transfer, change of address, change of beneficiary for your SCTA life insurance, etc.?

If so, please notify the SCTA Office by calling 1.800.633.2236, ext. 10. You may also update your membership information online at www.sctroopers.org or you may send an e-mail directly to [email protected].

Please note that in order to update your beneficiary, you must complete either the online Change of Beneficiary form, or we can mail you the form. Beneficiary changes cannot be made over the telephone.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27She cites a study that surveyed offi cers and

other workers on job satisfaction and “general happiness.” Nearly 60 percent of cops said they were “very satisfi ed” with their job. Overall, LEOs ranked “in the middle” among occupa-tions, on a par with nurses and accountants.

About four in ten reported being “very happy.”Another survey, of suburban departments in the

Midwest, found that offi cers generally reported “low levels of emotional exhaustion” and moder-ate to high levels of “personal accomplishment.”

“There is simply no evidence to support the idea that police work produces more burnout than other occupations,” Artwohl says.

Refl ecting on the seven myths, Artwohl stress-es the importance of “dealing with the statistical realities” of law enforcement. “Being overly con-cerned about exaggerated problems creates more

stress for offi cers, more worry and fear for their families, and hampers efforts to recruit good peo-ple to the profession,” she says.

“Also if a police career is viewed as being de-structive, it encourages offi cers to think of them-selves as victims of the profession rather than as resilient individuals who can determine their own outcomes.

“The truth is that law enforcement is a noble, challenging calling with many rewards that far outweigh the negatives for most offi cers.”

Dr. Artwohl may be reached via e-mail atvia e-mail at [email protected].

About the author: Charles Remsberg co-founded the original Street Survival Seminar and the Street Survival Newsline, authored three of the best-selling law enforcement training textbooks, and helped produce numerous award-winning training videos. His nearly three decades of work earned him the prestigious O.W. Wilson Award for outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the American Police Hall of Fame Honor Award for distinguished achievement in public service.


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