South Carolina Highway Patrol

[BTDT]

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/ /><st1:place w:st=<st1:City w:st="on">COLUMBIA</st1:City></st1:place> – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol announces the following news event

<FONT face=Arial><FONT size=4><FONT color=black><FONT color=black><FONT face=Arial><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/ /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P><P><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=4><FONT color=black><FONT color=black><FONT face=Arial><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P><P><B><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=3><FONT color=black><FONT color=black><FONT face=Arial><B>WHAT:</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></B><st1:Street w:st=<st1:address w:st="on">87th Highway</st1:address></st1:Street> Patrol Basic Class Graduation<o:p></o:p>
** 36 new troopers will graduate
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WHO: SC Department of Public Safety,Highway Patrol
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WHEN:Friday, December 5, 2008, 2 p.m.
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WHERE: <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">SC <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Criminal</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Justice</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Academy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5400 Broad River Road</st1:address></st1:Street></st1:PlaceName>
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<o:p>A brand spanking new batch of baby troopers ready to fight crime and battle bad guys.</o:p>
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<o:p>Congrats Guys!!!</o:p>

[anti-babble]

It's kind of pathetic that they still haven't named a Colonel for them. All of the bad press and the politics that was involved and they still haven't named a new Colonel to give that department a sense of leadership and direction.

[Gator]

It's kind of pathetic that they still haven't named a Colonel for them. All of the bad press and the politics that was involved and they still haven't named a new Colonel to give that department a sense of leadership and direction.

Maybe the reason Mr. Keels did not name a Colonel is because the cost would have been to high. Namely the jobs of 36 trooper trainees in the Academy who had almost completed patrol school. It is called budget cuts. He knows who he wants but he is looking after the greater good of the department at the moment.

[ZooFuzz]

http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2008/12/05/22/86-A1copgads06a.standalone.prod_affiliate.74.jpg
From left, new graduates Jeremy Beggs, who will patrol Berkeley and Charleston counties, Rickey Ball, who will patrol Richland County, and Adam Antley, who will patrol Lexington County, don their trooper hats Friday during the 87th South Carolina Highway Patrol Graduation Ceremony at the state’s Criminal Justice Academy.




Congratulations to 87th Highway Patrol Basic Class Graduation
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<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:Street w:st=" Antiqua? Book IMG]<st1:address? [>Be safe in your travels as you serve and protect the State of South Carolina and the public who travels within.
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<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:Street w:st=" Antiqua? Book IMG]<st1:address? [>ZooFuzz

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[anti-babble]

Maybe the reason Mr. Keels did not name a Colonel is because the cost would have been to high. Namely the jobs of 36 trooper trainees in the Academy who had almost completed patrol school. It is called budget cuts. He knows who he wants but he is looking after the greater good of the department at the moment.


I agree but a new Colonel will mark the end of an era and the begining of a new. It would send a strong signal to the men and women of the Highway Patrol that video-gate is over.

[Gator]

I agree but a new Colonel will mark the end of an era and the begining of a new. It would send a strong signal to the men and women of the Highway Patrol that video-gate is over.

"Video-gate" will never be over. Whenever their is a slow day in the media all they have to do is file a Freedom of information and it will start all over again. Having a new Colonel is nothing but having a figure head to fall when the Highway Patrol looks bad in the news or makes some politician mad. There is enough command staff to keep the wheels rolling into a positive future and head off any backlash from the media.

The most important thing is to keep troopers on the road and never give up on them.

[anti-babble]

I would assume that there is a reason that there was a sarch for a new Colonel instead of giving it to the number 2 man. The fact that he was deemed unfit to lead the patrol is proof that their entire promotional system is broken and needs to be revamped.

[Cowboy]

AB, this thread was started to congratulate 36 new Troopers that will risk their lives for our safety, and every post you have written has been negative. And you have the nerve to talk about me on other threads? Look in the mirror.

Thanks guys, be safe!

[swampfox]

Pay close attention, students. You won't see a better example of a man that don't know when to quit.

[BTDT]

Pay close attention, students. You won't see a better example of a man that don't know when to quit.


AB or Cowboy?

[Cowboy]

Pay close attention, students. You won't see a better example of a man that don't know when to quit.

Swamp, the topic here is the Troopers. I would hate to see you get a few days off. Now be nice and tell them how important they are.

[Gator]

Swamp, the topic here is the Troopers. I would hate to see you get a few days off. Now be nice and tell them how important they are.


Thank you Cowboy

[Gator]

I would assume that there is a reason that there was a sarch for a new Colonel instead of giving it to the number 2 man. The fact that he was deemed unfit to lead the patrol is proof that their entire promotional system is broken and needs to be revamped.

Mr. Keels requested applications be submitted. Why not give the job of Colonel to the most qualified person with the experience to back it up. To me that shows good management and until Mr. Keels does something to loose trust, he has the support of all of the troopers. That is the way it should be.

[swampfox]

The Cowboy appears to be off already, but by more than a few days.

[Cowboy]

The Cowboy appears to be off already, but by more than a few days.

Again, the topic is our Brave new Troopers that will be out protecting us, taking abuse from drunks and criminals, being away from family on nights and holidays, with little pay. Now I want you to post here about them. Tell em' thanks and great job. Tell them to be safe. Tell em' you'll be praying for them.

[swampfox]

You're the most pathetic when you try to put on your good-boy hat, Cowboy.

Do yourself a favor.

[anti-babble]

Cowboy, you have no idea how much pride and joy I have in seeing the new Troopers hit the road. Their graduation shows that the SCHP is one step closer to putting the insane political attacks from a few months ago behind them. My comment was that I hope they take another step in the near future to name a new Colonel and continue righting the ship that was damaged by an undeserved barrage of media attacks that was prompted by politics.

As another point cowbell ( I will get on your level so maybe you can understand me), I didn't talk about you I was talking to you. Reread your posts and you will find out how you earned your reputation on this board. You have shown the ability to comment intelligently on some threads. My suggestion is that you concentrate your efforts to try and capitalize on that ability and stop trying to provoke everyone else that posts on this board. Take note of the red dots, they aren't badges of courage. Oh I'm sorry you do have one green dot.

[anti-babble]

I have about 150 more posts than you do but I have been a member for over 2 years longer than you. Who seems to spend more time posting on this board?

[Kronos]

My understanding the #2 man was an “appeasement” promotion for the Legislative Black Caucus, as was the promotion of a Sergeant in Kershaw County. Heck I’m not on the highway patrol and I know that. The #2 man is not liked or respected by fellow troopers and some are of the same race. Roark, like him or hate him, had the respect of his men. Those who hate him (Troopers) are disgruntled because of being passed over for promotions (Kerbs and Bledsoe); never mind not being the best candidate. So you are right, the #2 is not the best choice to move the highway patrol forward. I say trust Mark Keel.

[anti-babble]

The vast majority of Troopers that I know trust Mr. Keel. They are just eager to get a new Colonel and not have to worry about some of the people that you mentioned in your post.

[Captain Worley]

What Kronos said is pretty much what I've heard on the issue, but really don't know.

[BTDT]

What Kronos said is pretty much what I've heard on the issue, but really don't know.


Actually Kronos is pretty much on the money.

[BTDT]

AB, this thread was started to congratulate 36 new Troopers that will risk their lives for our safety, and every post you have written has been negative. And you have the nerve to talk about me on other threads? Look in the mirror.

Thanks guys, be safe!


Pay close attention, students. You won't see a better example of a man that don't know when to quit.


Swamp, the topic here is the Troopers. I would hate to see you get a few days off. Now be nice and tell them how important they are.


The Cowboy appears to be off already, but by more than a few days.


Again, the topic is our Brave new Troopers that will be out protecting us, taking abuse from drunks and criminals, being away from family on nights and holidays, with little pay. Now I want you to post here about them. Tell em' thanks and great job. Tell them to be safe. Tell em' you'll be praying for them.


You're the most pathetic when you try to put on your good-boy hat, Cowboy.

Do yourself a favor.


Swampfox, wouldn't this be considered stalking by your own standards towards Cowboy?

Is this one of those "Do as I say, not as I do" statements.

[swampfox]

Not stalking at all. Stalking is when you follow a person around from thread to thread and make consistently nasty comments. As long as there is an exchange going on it is not stalking.

You can see fine examples of stalking if you want to go to the trouble of looking up some of the Cowboy's old posts from during our time(s) of upheaval around here. He makes wherever he is a little less bright and pleasant.

Sometimes I have been wrong, sometimes irresponsibly so, but when I am I'll admit it and apologize where appropriate. This is another thing that differentiates me and the Cowboy.

I don't mind a bit answering such questions as these. I think we all learn from it.

As always I will continue to use my powers for good and not for evil.

[BTDT]

But your comments to CB have absolutely nothing to do with this thread, they are insults directed completely toward CB. While he may or may not always agree with posts, by following him to this thread and making the comments you did, it makes you look like you're stalking.

[Gator96]

Swampfox 0

Cowboy 1

Stay tuned!!

[Gator]

Not stalking at all. Stalking is when you follow a person around from thread to thread and make consistently nasty comments. As long as there is an exchange going on it is not stalking.

As always I will continue to use my powers for good and not for evil.


Stay on topic and post your views on the topic not the person you have a problem with. The evil comes in when you make this personnal. Rise above your anger and lets make this a board of personal views, not a hanging party.

[swampfox]

Words to the wise.

[swampfox]

But your comments to CB have absolutely nothing to do with this thread, they are insults directed completely toward CB. While he may or may not always agree with posts, by following him to this thread and making the comments you did, it makes you look like you're stalking.

Should I take it that his posts are invisible to you?

There may be something to what you say. He does disgust me. But the thing about thread creep, if it is to be applied strictly it would be stifling. So what if somebody wants to make a joke on the side. These threads should be like semi-organized conversations and too many jokes on the side are too many, but one here and there don't hurt anything. I have never complained about thread creep, I don't think. It is natural and OK to a point.

The thing that makes these threads different from an ordinary conversation is that they are in a public place. It's as if we sat on a stage on the court house yard with microphones and talked back and forth. The standards, whether of civility or legality, are entirely different in public places than they would be in the privacy of someone's home or in the Smackdown Club, or both.

And already you've awakened the mean-spirits, posting scores. Will we go through that again? I'll be checking in remotely when I can for the next several days.

You children behave!

[Bender Bending Rodriguez]

But your comments to CB have absolutely nothing to do with this thread, they are insults directed completely toward CB. While he may or may not always agree with posts, by following him to this thread and making the comments you did, it makes you look like you're stalking.

There's two sets of rules around here...oops...I'm off topic. Is that stalking?

[swampfox]

Yes, you are. That's another point against.

[Captain Worley]

Cowboy doesn't disgust me. At times he's pi$$ed me off a little, but some of his posts have merit, and some are entertaining. Some are jackassery.

But the same could be said of some of my posts.

[BTDT]

Should I take it that his posts are invisible to you?

There may be something to what you say. He does disgust me. But the thing about thread creep, if it is to be applied strictly it would be stifling. So what if somebody wants to make a joke on the side. These threads should be like semi-organized conversations and too many jokes on the side are too many, but one here and there don't hurt anything. I have never complained about thread creep, I don't think. It is natural and OK to a point.

The thing that makes these threads different from an ordinary conversation is that they are in a public place. It's as if we sat on a stage on the court house yard with microphones and talked back and forth. The standards, whether of civility or legality, are entirely different in public places than they would be in the privacy of someone's home or in the Smackdown Club, or both.

And already you've awakened the mean-spirits, posting scores. Will we go through that again? I'll be checking in remotely when I can for the next several days.

You children behave!

Show respect for yourself and others by contributing thoughtful and sincere comments and content. .

Stay on topic (or start a new one).

These are the guidelines that were created by Annebelle and at one time enforced by you, if you can't follow the rules, why should anyone else?

[Cowboy]

Cowboy doesn't disgust me. At times he's pi$$ed me off a little, but some of his posts have merit, and some are entertaining. Some are jackassery.

But the same could be said of some of my posts.

I'll take that as a compliment. I really like the word jackassery. Sounds like something my Grandfather and Father would call my actions. I'm going to use that one. I was gonna say that needs to be in the Urban Dictionary but........

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jackassery

[Captain Worley]

I thought I'd made that up.

[Cliff]

UUh, what was the topic?

[anti-babble]

Actaully Cowboy was stalking me. He didn't like my comment on the boring thread and followed me here to kickstart an arguement.

[Cliff]

................................http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/KE4MIV/Smilies/think.gif................

[Cowboy]

Actaully Cowboy was stalking me. He didn't like my comment on the boring thread and followed me here to kickstart an arguement.

Get over the "stalking" crap. There are very few topics on here to even comment on lately. So everyone could be accused of stalking at any time. Don't mention my name and I won't have a reason to address you at all.

[anti-babble]

I didn't bring up the stalking. I merely pointed out that you were the one doing it, not Swampy.

[Gator]

Man sentenced to 10 years in altercation with trooper



By E. Richard Walton • STAFF WRITER • December 11, 2008
</SCRIPT>
A Charlotte man was sentenced to 10 years Thursday after he and a state trooper were shot in an altercation during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 in Greenville in April 2007

Well finally justice for the little guy.

[BTDT]

Man sentenced to 10 years in altercation with trooper



By E. Richard Walton • STAFF WRITER • December 11, 2008
</SCRIPT>
A Charlotte man was sentenced to 10 years Thursday after he and a state trooper were shot in an altercation during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 in Greenville in April 2007

Well I’ll be a little justice. Finally



I think we should take the varmit out and hang'em high!!!!!!!!!

[Mrwonderful]

Man sentenced to 10 years in altercation with trooper



By E. Richard Walton • STAFF WRITER • December 11, 2008
</SCRIPT>
A Charlotte man was sentenced to 10 years Thursday after he and a state trooper were shot in an altercation during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 in Greenville in April 2007

Well finally justice for the little guy.

Where is the video????Bet the US Attorney for NC and the NAACP are examjng it closely. :finga:

[Gator]

Could 2009 mean the end of the South Carolina Troopers’ Association. With the Executive Director’s outlandish salary and the increase of fees every year with no consideration given to the Trooper’s who were put in the line of fire for actions release to the media. Exactly why are Troopers around the state remaining members. Where is the representation promised in the Senate? Are Troopers better off for having a lobbyist?
I am sorry to say but I think greed has come into play in the a Association and the Troopers are having to foot the bill.

[anti-babble]

Could 2009 mean the end of the South Carolina Troopers’ Association. With the Executive Director’s outlandish salary and the increase of fees every year with no consideration given to the Trooper’s who were put in the line of fire for actions release to the media. Exactly why are Troopers around the state remaining members. Where is the representation promised in the Senate? Are Troopers better off for having a lobbyist?
I am sorry to say but I think greed has come into play in the a Association and the Troopers are having to foot the bill.


Gator, I think you need to examine your facts. The Executive Director is not recieving an outlandish salary for the duties that he performs and has not had a pay raise since he was hired.

The dues were raised this year for the first time in many years. That was due to a loss in fundraising revenue from telemarketing.

The Executive Director is the lobbyist for the Association. The previous lobbyist was not retained because he failed to produce the desired results. Given the current economic situation what do you expect from this years Legislative Session?

The Association did seek a venue to address the negative publicity through the major media but they were not willing to allow the SCTA to rebut the reports.


Have you addressed your concerns to your Troop Rep or to any member of the Executive Board?

Have you considered becoming involved with the SCTA Board?

[Gator]

Gator, I think you need to examine your facts. The Executive Director is not recieving an outlandish salary for the duties that he performs and has not had a pay raise since he was hired.

The dues were raised this year for the first time in many years. That was due to a loss in fundraising revenue from telemarketing.

The Executive Director is the lobbyist for the Association. The previous lobbyist was not retained because he failed to produce the desired results. Given the current economic situation what do you expect from this years Legislative Session?

The Association did seek a venue to address the negative publicity through the major media but they were not willing to allow the SCTA to rebut the reports.


Have you addressed your concerns to your Troop Rep or to any member of the Executive Board?

Have you considered becoming involved with the SCTA Board?

I think you need to talk to some active Troopers and check the member list at the end of Februay. And as far as talking to a Troop rep why? They are only on the board in the hopes of a promotion. Sgt. C. C. McDonald did more in his career and after then any other person I know of. If you don't believe me why not ask Kronos he seems to be well connected.

And as far as the media was concern, the SCTA could have use some the money that use to go to the morgage to take out ads and TV spots to support the remaining Troopers who were feeling left out in the cold due to the bad press. Not everything is free.

To thine own self be true!

[anti-babble]

Unlock your PM status and I will give you more insight than you thought was possible.

AS far as Sgt. McDonald there was an election and the retirees voted for who they wanted.

[ZooFuzz]

The only reason certain people serve on the board, is the same reason that Troopers used to play golf with Col. It's called tanning your nose. One of your board members is one of the biggest whiners in the state, the only reason he has not been promoted yet while everyone around him has is for this very reason. Even the General Manager is nothing more than a glorified receptionist collecting a big salary who pushed out the last full time GM because she didn't like working for the state. ( the GM working now had worked there once before and left because she thought the grass was greener at state gov.) The SCTA was a great idea in the beginning, but started going bad in the middle to late 90's.

[Gator]

Unlock your PM status and I will give you more insight than you thought was possible.

AS far as Sgt. McDonald there was an election and the ritirees voted for who they wanted.

go for it

[anti-babble]

You may have to add me to your Buddy List. Your profile now shows that you accept PMs but when it tried it shows you as blocked.

[Gator]

Even the General Manager is nothing more than a glorified receptionist collecting a big salary who pushed out the last full time GM because she didn't like working for the state. ( the GM working now had worked there once before and left because she thought the grass was greener at state gov.) The SCTA was a great idea in the beginning, but started going bad in the middle to late 90's.


Zoo, That is some pretty clear insight.

[Gator]

You may have to add me to your Buddy List. Your profile now shows that you accept PMs but when it tried it shows you as blocked.

Try again

[Kronos]

What is a shame is that a fellow trooper (Major) gave the media the ammunition to fire at those troopers. From what I understand, working troopers become members for two reasons: 1- the legal representation 2- life insurance. It sure isn’t for that other crap they offer i.e. AAA membership, NTC news letter, Trooper Magazine, decals, and a dang membership card. What has the lobbyist done for the troopers for the last..1-18 years? They sure didn’t help with salaries, benefits, working conditions etc. What do they really do? The road trooper can do more in the senate than a lobbyist. Start putting a blue copy in their hand. What the SCTA should have done was defend those men who were publicly crucified. Where were the so-called leaders? Not just the SCTA, but every person from the Colonel to the slick-sleeve trooper! Why didn’t the SCTA rally at the dome? Hell, some will do it for a flag, why not for the Troopers as a organization!?! The SCTA could have organized Husbands, wives and supporters. Instead, the organization that was created by troopers to defend troopers did nothing. Guys, the silence was truly deafening!

[Kronos]

The only reason certain people serve on the board, is the same reason that Troopers used to play golf with Col. It's called tanning your nose. One of your board members is one of the biggest whiners in the state, the only reason he has not been promoted yet while everyone around him has is for this very reason. Maybe Joey K. and Dan B. should have ran for a position. As for the whiner, so true and he looks so sloppy in uniform.

[BTDT]

A state trooper seen on video hitting a fleeing suspect on foot with his patrol car at a Columbia apartment complex in 2007 has been charged with a federal civil rights violation.
Trooper Alexander Richardson is accused of using excessive force against Kevin Rucker on April 28, 2007, at Columbia Garden Apartments on Plowden Road, according to documents filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Columbia.
Richardson, 46, is the third current or former Highway Patrol trooper since June to face federal civil rights charges.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin McDonald said Wednesday he doesn’t expect any more troopers will be charged in the cases his office has reviewed since last year.
“I’m not aware of any other pending investigations regarding troopers at this time,” he said. “(The State Law Enforcement Division) provided a number of files to us, and we looked at every one of them.”
The State newspaper last year under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act obtained more than two dozen dashboard videos and hundreds of pages of internal affairs records revealing questionable behavior by some troopers.
Lonnie Randolph, president of the state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, on Wednesday blamed an earlier “lack of leadership” at the Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Patrol, for many of the disciplinary problems.
“I’m hoping the future will be much better than the past has been with all law enforcement across the state, but especially with the Highway Patrol, which has had an ongoing history of doing what they please and answering to no one,” he said.
Richardson has been suspended without pay, said Department of Public Safety Director Mark Keel, whom Gov. Mark Sanford appointed last year during the controversy.
He declined to discuss specifics of his case, citing the pending charge. He also said he didn’t expect any other charges to come from this investigation.
McDonald and Richardson’s attorney, John O’Leary of Columbia, said Wednesday they expect Richardson to plead to the charge, though neither knew how soon.
Richardson is charged with a misdemeanor civil rights count, unlike two other troopers charged last year with felony civil rights violations.
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McDonald said Richardson faces a misdemeanor count because there “didn’t appear to be injuries with the use of excessive force.”
If convicted, Richardson faces a maximum sentence of one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a felony violation is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Former trooper John B. Sawyer pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Charleston to a felony civil rights violation and is awaiting sentencing.
The other trooper charged with a felony violation, Steve Garren, was acquitted by a Greenville jury in October.
Like Richardson, Garren was accused of using his patrol car to strike a suspect fleeing on foot after a car chase. Sawyer was charged with repeatedly kicking a truck driver in the head who surrendered after a chase.
Richardson is black; Garren and Sawyer are white. The fleeing suspects in Richardson’s and Garren’s cases are black; the suspect in Sawyer’s incident is white. Authorities have said the federal civil rights charges against the troopers were based on the use of excessive force, not race.
“Regardless of what they say, race is always a factor,” Randolph said Wednesday. “With an African-American (victim), a car is a weapon of choice.”
In Richardson’s case, a dashboard video obtained last year by The State newspaper shows Rucker being hit by Richardson’s patrol car at the Plowden Road apartment complex off South Beltline Boulevard.
The video shows the patrol car driving over sidewalks and curbs in the apartment complex. A man and his young son are seen on the video running out of the way of the oncoming cruiser.
In his internal affairs statement, Richardson said he was on his way home about 7 p.m. when Rucker’s burgundy Chevrolet Caprice sped through a red light at Shop Road and South Beltline Boulevard, nearly hitting him.
Richardson said he pursued Rucker to the apartment complex, where Rucker abandoned his car and fled on foot. Richardson said he didn’t realize two young children were in Rucker’s car, which had dark-tinted windows.
While chasing him through the complex, Richardson said he tried to get out of his car to chase him on foot but couldn’t because the electronic control panel for the windows and locks was loose and in the way of the door handle.
He said in his statement that while he was briefly looking at his door, he “accidentally bumped the violator with the push bumper on the front of my patrol vehicle.”
Rucker continued running but quickly gave up and was arrested without incident, authorities said.
Rucker, who is identified in court papers and SLED records as both Kevin and Calvin Rucker, filed a federal lawsuit in September seeking unspecified damages against the state Department of Public Safety.
The suit contends he was hit three times by the trooper’s car and suffered “physical, psychological and emotional harm.”
Rucker was convicted of driving under the influence, driving without a license, failure to stop for a blue light, child endangerment and seat belt and child restraint seat violations, records show.
He was placed on two years’ probation on the child endangerment charges and received mostly fines on the other charges, records show.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/643257.html

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=69303&catid=2

[anti-babble]

I wish Richardson the best and hope that he is acquitted.

[ZooFuzz]

Columbia (WLTX) -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced Friday evening that DPS Director Mark Keel has appointed two new leaders, including the top positions for the State Transport Police and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Keel named Colonel F.K. "Kenny" Lancaster, Jr. as the head of the Highway Patrol, and Colonel Napoleon "Nick" Moore as the head fo the Transport Police, both division leaders in the DPS. He said the decisions came after extensive research and planning.

"They fully understand the troubling budgetary times we are facing," Keel said in a Friday news release, "And more importantly, the law enforcement image issues which we must constantly strive to improve."

Lancaster, 41, a second-generation Highway Patrol Trooper, is a 20-year veteran of the Highway Patrol, according to a news release. His most recent assignment was Major in charge of Field Operations for the Lower State, Keel said.

"Upon my arrival at DPS," Keel said, "I pledged that I would be searching diligently for candidates who would encompass the same values, ideals and goals that I have. I am confident that Colonel Lancaster and Colonel Moore meet those requirements."

Moore, 46, who joined the Highway Patrol in 1984, transferred to the State Transport Police in 1994, officials say. In October 2006, Moore was promoted to Major and served as second in command to then-Col. Ana Amos, according to a news release.

Moore was named Interim Deputy Director of STP in May when Col. Amos retired.

Keel said that he is confident in both of his choices, adding that Moore brings 25 years of law enforcement experience with him.

From the Official Release:

A native of Cheraw, SC, Moore lives in Columbia. The father of two sons and a daughter, Moore is a member of First Northeast Baptist Church. He graduated from Cheraw High School in 1980 and attended Benedict College. He began his law enforcement career with the Chesterfield Sheriff's Department.

In 1988, Lancaster joined the Highway Patrol and was assigned to Beaufort County. Since then he has moved through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, commanding officer of the Patrol's Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team. In 2007, he was promoted to Major and placed in command of the Region Two Field Operations. A 2007 graduate of St Leo University with a Criminal Justice degree, Lancaster also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church. He is married to Beth Lancaster and they have three children.


http://www.schp.org/troop11.jpg

[anti-babble]

Hopefully now, all of the horrible events of the past few months will be forgotten. I hope all of the Troopers rally around the new Colonel and follow the course that he sets.

[BTDT]

Several positions at the S.C. Highway Patrol vacant since February have been filled, the Department of Public Safety said.
Among positions announced Thursday by director Mark Keel:

• Former Blythewood Communications Unit commander Mike Oliver has been named lieutenant colonel, the division’s second-in-command position. The Lancaster native has been with the patrol since 1982, mainly in Troop Four, encompassing York and other north central counties.

Richland County native Leroy Taylor is now the Region One major. Taylor joined the patrol in 1988 and has spent most of his career in Troop One covering the Midlands. He has been the troop commander since 2005.

• Former Troop Five commander Melvin Warren has been named the new Region Two major. Warren joined the patrol in 1985, working mainly in the Pee Dee area.

• Union County’s Christopher Madden is now the special operations major. The former Aggressive Criminal Enforcement commander has been with the patrol since 1992.

[anti-babble]

Looks like they have put a capable team together and are moving forward after all of that political B.S. that got started last year.

[Just Another]

I just wonder why if SCHP is in such financial trouble to cut out cleaning expense and car washes why am I still seeing ranking individuals driving patrol vehicles off duty? Do we tax payers foot this gas bill for them to use patrol cars like it was their personal vehicle? Just asking.

[ZooFuzz]

Clifton Hughes of Lexington takes over Troop One(Columbia).

Mark Gosnell of Prosperity will lead Troop Two(Greenwood).

Jo-Nathan Nell of Florence is the new captain in Troop Five(Florence)

The three new captains take over for one trooper who retired and two more former captains who were promoted to Highway Patrol headquarters in Columbia.


Way to go Clift, congrats to all.

[I'mJustMe]

http://www.scnow.com/scp/news/local/pee_dee/article/trooper_dies_in_house_fire/52813/

Trooper dies in Florence County house fire

[ZooFuzz]

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2168/109/9/73259578312/n73259578312_2025099_7741.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2025100&id=73259578312)

[ZooFuzz]

44 new highway patrol troopers hit the road in time for holiday
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12562788

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - On Monday, 44 new South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers will hit the highways to keep them safe. They graduated just in time for the end of the holiday weekend.





Congrats to SCHP Basic Class 88. Be Safe ladies and gentlemen. ZF

[ZooFuzz]

Fallen Trooper's Wife To Donate K9 Officers In Husband's Memory

GREER, S.C. -- The widow of a South Carolina trooper killed 10 years ago is trying to keep his legacy alive by donating K9 officers.

Misty Nicholson held a fundraiser for the Trooper Eric Nicholson K9 Fund on Saturday at 6 Wags Dog Park in Greer. The fund is named for her husband, who was shot and killed while on duty back in 2000.

Misty has been trying to raise money to purchase two K9 officers. One dog will be given to the Highway Patrol. The other will be given to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

The specialized training for the dogs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but Misty is getting a lot of help.

"I had one donor in particular that said 'I will cover the first dog.' And so he and I have been in contact and that will be happening in the next couple of weeks because the handler has to go and start training," Nicholson said.

Saturday's event raised $1,700. The goal is to raise $8,000 for the second dog by Dec. 6, which will be the 10th anniversary of Trooper Nicholson's death.

This is not the first time Misty has worked to help others in her husband's memory. Since Trooper Nicholson gave blood a few hours before he was killed, she started the annual Trooper Eric F. Nicholson Memorial Blood Drive.
http://www.wyff4.com/news/23882588/detail.html<!--stopindex-->

[ZooFuzz]

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=89471&catid=2

http://www.wltx.com/assetpool/images/100707051040_trooper of the year 2.jpg web.jpg



SC Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Kevin Caldwell, Trooper of the Year

Blythewood, SC (WLTX) -- The intense stories of courage, valor and excellence were a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the awards ceremony where they were shared.
In some stories, the suspect being pursued needed to be rescued from flames and twisted metal. In others, a trooper used a keen sense of awareness mixed with experience to spark an investigation into the driver of a vehicle.
Despite the dynamic and often dangerous job, Trooper First Class Kevin Caldwell said he was shocked at the ceremony as he was named Trooper of the Year by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
"Little shocked, I guess it's surreal, hasn't sunk in yet," he said.
His captain, C.B. Hughes, said Caldwell sets the bar high.
"It's what he does all year long, throughout his life, even his personal life," Hughes said.
Caldwell's biggest concern is saving lives.
"I've seen number one what DUI and people under the influence can do," Caldwell said.
Seeing what happens to families after a drunk driver kills a person drives him every day to remove those dangerous drivers from the roads.
"I couldn't do any of it without the guys on my shift and the people right around me."
Caldwell, on crutches at the ceremony, is recovering from an injury during training. He is excited to return to work this fall. He spends much of his personal time volunteering in the community, helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol to recover.


Congrats Kevin. He was a great TCO and an outstanding Trooper. ZF