COLUMBIA, SC - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has promoted a veteran trooper to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel / Deputy Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol following the retirement of Lt. Col. Marc Wright who had served the department for nearly 40 years. In his new role as Deputy Commander of Administration, Albert will oversee the administrative operations of the Highway Patrol.

Albert, who has served with the Highway Patrol since 1994, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on December 10th. He had held the position of Major in Field Operations since 2019 and before that was Commander of Troop Four where he had served the majority of his career. He began his career with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office in 1990. Lt. Col. Albert served in the SC Army National Guard for 22 years and retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major in 2008. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Limestone College.

“We are so pleased to name Lt. Col. Albert to this important post where he will oversee the administrative operations of the South Carolina Highway Patrol,” said SCHP Col. Chris Williamson. “Between his military experience and his leadership experience, he is eminently qualified to take the Highway Patrol to the next level.”

A Winnsboro native, Albert and his wife, Donna, currently reside in Blythewood and have four children. Lt. Col. Albert is a member of Winnsboro First Baptist Church, Ridgeway Masonic Lodge #30, and Gideons International.

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.