Media: All photos and narratives can be found here: SCHP 2022 Trooper of the Year webpage. Ceremony photos are available on the SCDPS Facebook page and the SCDPS Flickr album.  

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety named its 2022 Trooper of the Year and Telecommunications Operator (TCO) of the Year today. The winners were chosen from regional winners across the state. This year’s Statewide Trooper of the Year was Trooper A.D. Piszczatoski Troop 2, Post C. It was during a traffic stop that Trooper Piszczatoski learned that the female passenger of the vehicle had overdosed and was unresponsive. He began immediate life-saving measures until she regained consciousness and stayed with her until emergency medical services arrived. His quick thinking and calm demeanor helped save a life that day.  

Assistant Telecommunications Supervisor (ATCS) Flissa McEachern of the Florence Telecommunications Center was chosen as the statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year from among four regional Telecommunications Centers for her dedication in service since 2005 and for her calm and thorough actions that assisted troopers in their pursuit of a man wanted for his involvement in a shooting in Williamsburg County.   

“Today, it’s a privilege to honor these troopers and Telecommunications Operators who embody the mission and the values of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the S.C. Highway Patrol,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV said. “Each of these individuals made a unique contribution that saved someone’s life, helped solve a case, or provided assistance to others in a critical time of need. The example they set for others around them is admirable and truly epitomizes what it means to be a public servant.” 

Col. Christopher Williamson, Commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol, said:  

“We are fortunate to have this outstanding group of men and women working for the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and it is a privilege for me to serve as their Colonel. Each person who works for the Highway Patrol has taken an oath to unwaveringly serve the citizens of South Carolina and improve the safety of our roadways. This annual ceremony gives us a unique opportunity to pause, recognize and commend those who performed heroic acts in extraordinary situations, as well as those who serve well through consistent action every day. And for their efforts and sacrifice, we applaud them.” 

2022 Statewide Trooper of the Year 

Troop winners: SCHP 2022 Trooper of the Year | SCDPS (read the winner narratives) 

Troop 1, Post D (Richland): Trooper First Class D.D. Burris-Johnson 

Troop 2, Post C (Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda): Trooper A.D. Piszczatoski 

Troop 3, Post C (Greenville): Corporal C.D. Terry 

Troop 4, Post B (York): Lance Corporal S.M. Durrenberger 

Troop 5, Post B (Dillon, Florence, Marion): Trooper First Class J.L. Baker 

Troop 6, Post B (Colleton, Dorchester): Trooper D.R. Brown  

Troop 7, Post B (Calhoun, Orangeburg): Lance Corporal M.R. Burgess 

Troop 8, Post B (Insurance Enforcement Unit): Master Trooper K.M. Small 

Troop 9, Post D (Pee Dee Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team): Corporal W.M. Lee 

Troop 10 (Community Relations, Recruiting and Employment Unit): Lance Corporal L.M. Butler 

2022 Statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year Winner: Flissa McEachern, Florence Telecommunications Center 

Regional Telecommunications Center Winners: SCHP 2022 TCO of the Year webpage (read winner narratives)

Blythewood Telecommunications Center: Telecommunications Operator II Jessica Kinzie 

Charleston Telecommunications Center: Telecommunications Operator III Anthony Rowell 

Florence Telecommunications Center: Assistant Telecommunications Supervisor (ATCS) Flissa McEachern 

Greenville Telecommunications Center: Telecommunications Operator IV Andrea Smith*  

*photo not available  

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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.