Clarendon native named Troop 1 Trooper of the Year

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COLUMBIA - A Clarendon County native and graduate of East Clarendon High School has been named South Carolina Highway Patrol's Trooper of the Year for Troop One at ceremonies held Wednesday in Columbia.

Trooper First Class James C. Welsh of Turbeville received the top honor for Troop One, which covers Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Richland and Lexington counties.

"Trooper Cam Welsh has a true passion for saving lives," said Col. Chris Williamson. "This is particularly evident in his work taking impaired drivers off the roadway and his performance as a drug recognition expert for the department. In addition to his outstanding performance of his duties, TFC Welsh has a positive attitude, is always flexible and willing to adjust his schedule to help with special enforcement efforts."

During 2018, Welsh apprehended 62 motorists who were driving under the influence while also serving as a field training officer. He also assisted with traffic control during the University of South Carolina football games, a special assignment that he did not allow to deter from his enforcement efforts.

"He is committed to removing DUI motorists from the roadways of South Carolina and doing his part to reach the goal of Target Zero," they added.

Wednesday's top honor isn't the first award that Welsh has received during his career with the SCHP.

In 2015, Welsh was named the Troop One Trooper of the Year for DUI Arrests after apprehending 119 motorists for driving under the influence in 2015.

Welsh is a May 2014 graduate of the Criminal Justice Academy and a 4.5-year veteran of the SCHP.