2026 Trooper of The Year

The American Association of State Troopers is nationally recognizing Lance Corporal Richard A. Lee of the South Carolina Highway Patrol as its 2026 Trooper of the Year. Lance Corporal Lee exhibited bravery and courage while serving the citizens of the state of South Carolina. His courageous actions prevented any further threat to the public without concern for his own safety.

On July 8, 2025 Lance Corporal Richard A Lee exemplified outstanding bravery and dedication to public safety during a high-risk incident where he not only saved lives but did so without any regard for his own.

After receiving information that a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle was entering Chester County, Lance Corporal Lee positioned himself at the 52-mile marker on Interstate 77 to deploy stop sticks. But the stolen vehicle exited and then reentered the interstate, this time traveling the wrong way and posing a deadly threat to oncoming traffic.

Realizing the danger of the situation, Lance Corporal Lee moved to mile marker 51 and, while turning around, saw the stolen vehicle speeding toward a line of unsuspecting drivers. Without any hesitation, Lance Corporal Lee made a split-second and heroic decision to drive his patrol vehicle directly into the path of the oncoming suspect. His selfless act resulted in the stolen vehicle crashing into Lance Corporal Lee’s patrol vehicle, successfully disabling the car and ending the pursuit.

Miraculously, Lance Corporal Lee walked away without any major injuries. With his actions that day, Lance Corporal Lee not only stopped a criminal act: He saved countless lives, and in the process demonstrated the highest traditions of courage, duty, and sacrifice. His bravery is an inspiration to his fellow troopers, and a testament to the Highway Patrol’s core values of Service, Integrity, and Responsibility.

Lance Corporal Lee’s actions and resilience in the face of extreme danger demonstrated remarkable heroism and earned him this nomination and award. His heroic actions reflect the highest ideals of courage and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

AAST would like to acknowledge and congratulate the other very worthy nominees for the 2026 AAST Trooper of the Year.

A presentation ceremony will take place later this year. We would like to thank SIG-SAUER our sponsor for the Trooper of the Year event along with our other marquee sponsors; FIRSTNET, Built with AT&T, Henry USA, Panasonic Connect, TREMCO Police Products, AXON, Federal Signal Corp, & Motorola.

Maryland State trooper's vehicle was struck while attempting to strop impaired driver

Maryland Cruiser 2 Maryland Trooper Andrew Lee's patrol car was struck while attempting to stop an impaired driver Sunday night.

Dillon C. Haneke, 23, of Edgewater, is accused of driving his car into the side of the trooper’s car. Lee was attempting to stop Haneke on the suspicion of impaired driving.

Multiple calls from concerned citizens reported a possible impaired driver, stating the driver was weaving through the lanes and driving very slow. Tpr. Lee spotted the reported vehicle and observed it weaving across lanes and driving about 10 mph.

The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the car, but Haneke refused to acknowledge. Lee then drove to the right side of the vehicle, lowered his window and verbally ordered Haneke to stop, with his emergency lights still activated on his marked police car.

The trooper drove ahead of the weaving vehicle, at which timeHaneke struck the driver's side of the trooper's car. While still in contact with the trooper's car, Haneke's car struck the jersey wall and turned onto its side before the Bay Bridge.

The patrol car did not overturn, but Tpr. Lee was trapped inside the car. Unharmed, he was able to make his way out. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved. Lee was transported to the Anne Arundel Medical Center by another trooper as a precaution and after examination he was released.

Haneke was not injured. He was arrested and charged withdriving under the influence, assault and reckless endangerment after other troopers on the scene observed multiple signs of impairment. A male passenger in Haneke's car, who was also impaired, was taken to the Anne Arundel County Medical Center by ambulance. Haneke was taken to the Anne Arundel County Central Booking Center for his initial appearance before a court commissioner Sunday night.

W. Virginia State Troopers Make Special Deliveries

As a state trooper you never know what your day may bring, but Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, a call in to make a special delivery that brought smiles and joy to everyone involved. CQj9F2iWsAAcYdv West Virginia State Troopers gave stuffed animal bears to children fighting battles against cancer at Women and Children’s Hospital. The bears were provided by Bikers Against Child Abuse.

"When you get a chance to give back and really be involved and meet the kids that we get to serve, it's truly an honor," said Evan Osborn, development director.

Ellie Washington was one of the children that received a stuffed bear from the troopers. Less than 2 years old, Ellie was diagnosed with cancer in her ear.

"One minute your child is perfectly healthy and then the next minute, your world is all about cancer. I mean, all we do is chemo, and making sure everything's clean and keeping everybody well. I mean, your world completely changes. She's worth every minute of it," says her mother, Jessica. With help from the Ronald McDonald House, she is able to receive treatment in New York.

"You come down here and try to be a blessing and you end up receiving the blessing. So wonderful to see these kids and see a smile on their face because you know they're going through some difficult times," says Lt. Michael Baylous.

The small act of kindness goes along with what the Ronald McDonald House aims to do. Building love, and bridging hearts, as a bright new future for them begins.

The third annual McTrooper 5K is Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. and begins at the Frontier Communications Building on MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City. All registration information can be found at Ronald McDonald House Charities.

~Courtesy of WCHS ABC 8 and W. Virginia State Police

2016 Best Looking Cruiser Wall Calendar

Pre-Order the 2016 Best Looking Cruiser Calendar for your favorite people now!

(you can include yourself in that list)

The calendar makes a great gift for the trooper in your life.

Vermont K-9 Xander Caught in the Act

Vermont K-9 K-9 Xander of the Vermont State Police was busted! But, it was in a good way. He decided to extend his expertise to dispatching. We think Xander would make a great dispatcher if only he could speak as a human, not just as a dog. Sorry Xander! But, you are positively applauded for your efforts.

Vermont State Police put his picture on Facebook and asked followers to caption it. Our favorite caption was, by Bonita Compton Harmel, “Ohhhh shucks....... What was that code for crazy cat on the loose???”

To see more captions, visit Vermont State Police Facebook Page.