COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety proudly announces that Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier of the SC Highway Patrol was presented with the SC Sheriffs’ Association’s prestigious Medal of Valor Award during a recognition ceremony on Thursday, January 25.

Sheriff Kenneth Bamberg of the Bamberg County Sheriff’s Office nominated Lance Corporal Frazier and Sergeant Dwayne Duckson, of the Bamberg County Sheriff’s Office, for the Medal of Valor award due to their courageous actions and ability to remain calm under fire.

"Lance Corporal Frazier exemplifies the Highway Patrol's core values of selfless service, integrity, and responsibility, even in the moments after he was shot on duty," said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. "His resilience in his recovery and determination to return to duty after this incident reflects the true spirit of a dedicated public servant. We very much appreciate the SC Sheriff's Association for recognizing Frazier with this honor. And we owe a special thank you to Sergeant Dwayne Duckson for providing critical backup for our trooper when he needed it most.”

In the predawn hours of April 16, 2023, SC Highway Patrol Lance Corporal Frazier noticed a speeding vehicle in Bamberg County and initiated a traffic stop. Minutes later, a deputy with the Bamberg County Sheriff’s Office happened to see the traffic stop and pulled over to provide assistance.

It was upon Frazier’s second approach of the vehicle when the driver drew a firearm and fired at Frazier, hitting him in the face. Lance Corporal Frazier and Sergeant Dwayne Duckson immediately returned fire, striking the vehicle several times as the driver fled the scene.

Despite his injury, Frazier maintained a calm demeanor as he radioed in a distress call. It’s believed his detailed description of the vehicle is the reason why the suspect was apprehended quickly by another Highway Patrol trooper. Sergeant Duckson remained on scene to provide aid to Frazier until medical professionals arrived.

“I'm grateful to God for covering me and sparing me in a time of adversity. I am grateful to the SC Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff Bamberg for nominating me for such a prestigious award,” says Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier. “I thank the SC Highway Patrol for the blood, sweat, and tears during our training, especially ground defense and survival. I also thank my wife and family for supporting me during my day-to-day recovery.”

Each year the award is presented to South Carolina law enforcement officers whose valorous acts go above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness in an attempt to save or protect someone else, regardless of the officer's safety.

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.