In Memory of Bruce Kenneth Smalls

Fallen trooper honored with memorial on I-95

Published on WTOC - September 25, 2009

HARDEEVILLE, SC (WTOC) - Friday, people gathered at the Welcome Center in Hardeeville to honor a South Carolina trooper killed in the line of duty more than two decades ago.

It's a day many have been waiting years for.

"We're gathered to commemorate and remember our fallen comrad and trooper, Trooper 1st Class Bruce Kenneth Smalls who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1985," said a spokesman.

While it's been 24 years, Trooper Smalls sacrifices haven't been forgotten.

"There really isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and I appreciate the Highway Patrol for doing this," said Pat Smalls, sister.

Trooper Smalls' son, Kevin, is also thankful for this opportunity to honor his father.

"I was only two-years-old when my father was killed," said Smalls. "There aren't many memories I have of him but one thing I've heard a lot of people say is he was by the book."

Trooper Smalls was killed in the line of duty 24 years ago when he responded to an erratic driver on Interstate 95. Richard Johnson shot and killed Trooper Smalls after killing the owner of the RV, who had picked him up. Sgt. Isaaic Gregor with the Highway Patrol was on scene that day and remembers it well.

"It's something that never leaves you," said Sgt. Isaaic Gregor.

He worked with Trooper Smalls for years and recalls his last encounter with him before the tragedy.

"The last time I saw Bruce was on Sept 27," said Gregor. "He had a car stopped on 95, a couple of hours later, we were notified that he had lost his life in the line of duty."

While Kevin Smalls will now have another reminder of his father's sacrifice, a memorial sign posted near mile marker 5 on Interstate 95 will serve as a constant reminder to all.

"Everyone that passes through can see and think about him and I know people will say, 'Who was Trooper Smalls?' and maybe they'll take the time to look it up and see what great things he did," said Kevin Smalls.

South Carolina executed Richard Johnson seven years ago, 17 years after the murder.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Memorial