COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety recognized troopers from around the state for exceptional service in 2017.
SCHP also recognized Telecommunications Operators from around the state for the support they provide to the Highway Patrol and other DPS law enforcement divisions. Special awards – Medal of Valor and Purple Heart Award – were presented as well.
This was the 50th Anniversary of the Trooper of the Year Award. Trooper Stevi J. Price was named the overall Trooper of the Year – representing the first female to ever win the Trooper of the Year award.
Tpr. Stevi J. Price (above), stationed in Richland County, was the South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year overall winner. Price was chosen from among 10 other nominees from around the state. She was recognized for her efforts to save the life of a motorist following a collision. Price was on her way to a call for service when she stopped to assist with another collision. The car was beginning to catch fire and a motorist was trapped inside the vehicle. Price, with the help of another trooper who arrived on-scene, was able to free the woman from the vehicle before it was fully engulfed in flames. Price also received the Director’s Medal of Valor for her heroic efforts. Trooper Price is a native of Statesville, NC, and has been with the Highway Patrol since 2015.
TCO Brad Carrigg of the Blythewood Telecommunications Center was chosen as the overall Telecommunications Operator winner. Brittany Dial of the Florence Telecommunications Center was nominated for the award.
