Charleston Native Shawna Gadsden Promoted To Lead SCHP Troop Seven | SCDPS
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Charleston Native Shawna Gadsden Promoted To Lead SCHP Troop Seven

Capt. Shawna Gadsden with Director Smith and Col. Williamson
Tue, 06/12/2018

Columbia - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has promoted Shawna Gadsden to lead the Troop Seven/Orangeburg region of the Highway Patrol following the retirement of Captain Keith Grice. Captain Gadsden will be the first female to lead a regional Highway Patrol Troop.

In her new role as commander, she will oversee Troop Seven, which includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Hampton and Orangeburg counties.

“Capt. Gadsden has a true passion for public service and a commitment to lowering highway collisions and fatalities,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith “She is well-respected among her peers and will be an asset to the communities of Troop Seven.”

Gadsden, who has served with the Highway Patrol for 25 years,  was promoted to captain on June 8. She previously held the position of lieutenant/executive officer in Troop Six/Charleston since 2013. She succeeded Capt. Keith Grice who was with the Highway Patrol for 30 years, including five years as Troop Seven commander.

“Capt. Gadsden has invested her entire career in serving with the Highway Patrol,” said SCHP Colonel Chris Williamson. “We are truly fortunate to have a leader with her extensive knowledge of the Highway Patrol – both from the administrative and enforcement sides.”    

Gadsden began her career in Lexington in 1993, transferring to Charleston County in Troop Six in 1994. Gadsden was promoted to corporal in 2002 and later to sergeant in 2008 in Troop Six/Post B (Dorchester and Colleton Counties). She became first sergeant in 2011 in Post A (Berkeley and Charleston Counties). Most recently, she had served as lieutenant (since 2013) in Troop Six Headquarters. 

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, Immigration Enforcement Unit 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. https://scdps.sc.gov