Clarendon gets new trooper out of 2014 winter class

COLUMBIA - Forty new S.C. Highway Patrol graduates joined the force last week after a ceremony for Basic Class 95 where Gov. Nikki Haley addressed graduates, just as she has for the past seven Highway Patrol graduation ceremonies.

Of the 40 graduates, one will join Troop 1 in patrolling Clarendon and Sumter Counties.

Joshua O. Clynes is a native of Horry County.

Haley told Clynes and his fellow graduates that when they wear the uniform, they represent "everything we hold dear."

"Our troopers get this," she said. "It is about the people. It is about serving. It is about doing what is right. More than 900 people applied, and 40 of you made it. Don't waste that. It is too precious. Enjoy this moment. Soak it in. You have earned it.

Haley told graduates that when they wear the uniform, they represent “everything we hold dear.”

Basic 95 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 782. An additional 39 troopers will report to the Academy on Jan. 23 to begin the 96^th Basic Class.

The 95^th class began training in July and graduated Oct. 31 from the Criminal Justice Academy. They continued with specialized training from the Highway Patrol in all areas of law enforcement.  The SCHP Basic Training Program consists of 21 weeks of extensive law enforcement training in-residence. After graduation, Troopers must complete additional field training, which includes a minimum of six to eight weeks of field training.

“People in communities and counties around South Carolina anticipate the arrival of this outstanding class of new troopers who will enhance safety on our roadways,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “This group has received the very best training, and today they make us proud.”

Troopers are assigned to areas based upon population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area.

“These past 21 weeks, you have learned the Highway Patrol Core Values: Selfless Service, Integrity, Responsibility,” said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Oliver. “Now, it is time to put those core values into practice -- sometimes under difficult and dangerous conditions. The life of a state trooper is demanding but equally rewarding.”

Each graduation, the Patrol presents distinguished awards to outstanding troopers from each class. The winners from the 95th class include:

• 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: John C. Seigler, Home County: Richland; Assignment: Richland.
• Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: presented to the trooper who had the best marksmanship during firearms training: Aaron S. Cobb, Home County: Spartanburg; Assignment: Charleston/Berkeley.

• Winner of the Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award: presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and excelled each day during the early morning exercises. Blake J. Cornelius, Home County: Kershaw; Assignment: Chester/Fairfield