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SCHP Class 85 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2007
CONTACT: SGT. R.K. HUGHES, 803-896-7920


DPS GRADUATES 85th HIGHWAY PATROL CLASS

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety graduated 45 troopers today from its 85th Highway Patrol class. This brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 907.

This Highway Patrol class has undergone 19 weeks of intensive training. Some of the troopers, however, were pre-certified officers who only had to go through nine weeks of specialized Patrol training.

Highway Patrol troopers are trained by the Highway Patrol and Criminal Justice Academy in all areas of law enforcement including DUI detection, traffic laws, collision investigation and the use of firearms.

This is the first time a father and son have gone through training together. James Hicks, 53, of Marion and David Hicks, 25, Marion, were recognized at the ceremony today. The father had always wanted to be part of Highway Patrol but went into the military and then into sales/textiles while he and his wife raised a family of five. His wife continued to encourage him to join the Patrol but he thought he would not meet the age requirements.

David Hicks went to work for Blumenthal Mills and then decided he wanted to be a police officer. He became a police officer with the Mullins Police Department but wanted to advance his career by joining the Highway Patrol. Both began paperwork for the Highway Patrol, but David only had to complete 10 weeks because he was a precertified officer. The two did not know they would end up in training together.

The father and son both say they have a close relationship and it has been an enjoyable experience. They have been very supportive of each other, assisting each other through physical fitness and other parts of the training.

James Hicks will be assigned to Marion County and David Hicks will be assigned to Horry. (For interview opportunities, please contact Sgt. R.K. Hughes). (Hicks Photo)

The Patrol presents awards to outstanding troopers from each graduating class. Winners from the 85th class include:

James G. Miller: Winner of the Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award: for the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol commander. (Miller Picture)

David R. Swinehamer: Winner of the J. P. Strom Award: for the trainee with the highest academic average. (Swinehamer Picture)

Nicholas J. Reeder: Winner of the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award: presented to the trooper who excelled on his physical training test and excelled each day during the early morning exercises. This award was re-named in honor of Israel Brooks Jr. after he passed away September 7, 2007. This is the first time the award will be presented to a graduate. (Reeder Picture)

Marty M. McCants: Winner of the Marksmanship Award: presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training. (McCants Picture)

Attached is a list of graduating troopers, their ages, home counties and assigned counties.
(Click here for the Trooper List)

Photographs of new troopers may be obtained on the SCDPS web site under: http://www.schp.org/cro/breaking_news.html.

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