The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held graduation ceremonies for 63 troopers from Highway Patrol Basic Classes 105 and 106 Nov. 20.

Trooper Justin T. Wood of Pelion was awarded the Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award and the Major Israel Brooks Jr. Physical Fitness Award.

He graduated from Basic Class 105, Troop 1/Post C. Wood will be assigned to Lexington County.

U.S. Senator Tim Scott spoke to the graduates, thanking them for their service to the state:

“It is your dedication and your tenacity that allows the State of South Carolina to enjoy the things that we do in the way that we can because we don’t have to worry about the things that are being taken care of for us because of people like you,” Sen. Scott said.

The graduation of Basic 105 and 106 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 781 with another 31 troopers currently in training.

Troopers are assigned to areas based on population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area.

“In today’s world of policing, our troopers must be prepared and ready to face any challenge from patrolling the interstates and roadways of our state, to diffusing civil disturbances, to reacting quickly to prevent an active shooter,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith.