COLUMBIA — The SC Department of Public Safety Director, Robert G. Woods, IV has named a new South Carolina State Transport Police commander, in conjunction with two command staff promotions.
Dwayne D. Wilson, a 29-year veteran of the State Transport Police, was chosen to succeed Colonel Dean M. Dill, who will retire with nearly 30 years of service to the state at the end of this month. Wilson began his career with the State Transport Police in 1994.
“I am proud to be a part of this agency and I am both humbled and grateful to accept this new responsibility,” said Wilson. “I have worked closely alongside Colonel Dill for a number of years and I will miss his leadership and direction. However, I have a great command staff, and together, I am confident that we will continue to push STP forward and carry on the positive legacy that Colonel Dill has modeled.”
Dill, who has served as Commander of STP since 2020, announced his retirement will be effective July 1, 2024. Colonel Dill has been with STP since 1994 and has served in both enforcement and administrative capacities during his tenure. Dill was the first State Transport Police Commander to work his way up through the ranks, from officer to Colonel.
Colonel Wilson also joined the State Transport Police when the STP division was first created under the then-newly-created SCDPS. He most recently served as the Executive Officer of STP at the rank of Major since 2020, and has also served as a first-line and mid-level supervisor, and District Commander. A Columbia native, Dwayne D. Wilson is married to Linda Wilson. They currently reside in Blythewood with their two daughters, Alicia and Jada Wilson. In addition to his time with STP, Wilson is also a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve, where he served in a law enforcement capacity and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
“Colonel Wilson has an outstanding track record within the STP chain of command,” said Woods. “He has lived and breathed STP for decades and he’s bringing that integral knowledge in this new role as commander. With STP’s mission focused on enforcing federal regulations and state laws for commercial motor vehicles, Colonel Wilson understands his officers play a key part in reducing fatalities in our state. I look forward to seeing him excel in this new leadership position.”
Two additional command structure promotions were announced on June 3. Lee T. Catoe was promoted to the rank of Major and named as the next STP Executive Officer to replace Wilson. Major Catoe began with STP in 2007, most recently serving as Captain over the Lower State Regions 1, 5, 6, and the Community Education and Outreach unit since 2020. Catoe is an 8-year veteran of the United States Army where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He holds a Certified Public Manager credential and is currently enrolled in an Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program with the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Charles T. Norton, Jr, a Darlington native, was named Captain of the STP lower state region to replace Catoe. Captain Norton began with STP in 2010, most recently serving as a Lieutenant at STP Headquarters since 2021. A 31-year veteran of law enforcement, he previously served with the Florence Police Department and Darlington Sheriff’s Office. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Public Service from Florence Darlington Technical College.
Colonel Dwayne D. Wilson Colonel Dean M. Dill Major Lee T. Catoe Captain Charles T. Norton
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.