From Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Summary
The American Association of State Troopers named Lance Corporal Richard A. Lee of South Carolina the 2026 Trooper of the Year for his heroic actions in stopping a dangerous wrong-way pursuit and saving lives.
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.
Lance Corporal Richard A. Lee of the South Carolina Highway Patrol is the 2026 Trooper of the Year
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 Selfless 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:
Corporal Christopher Short Arkansas State Police
Trooper 1st Class Garrett Boehm Connecticut State Police
Corporal Robert J. Prettyman Delaware State Police
Sergeant Julio Torres Florida Highway Patrol
Troy Tulleners Idaho State Police
Technical Trooper Ryan Wolting Kansas Highway Patrol
Detective Paul Thomas Kentucky State Police
Sergeant Nicholas Folse Louisiana State Police
Trooper 1st Class Bryce
Thienhom Maryland Department of State Police
Det. Trp. Spc. Nick Littleton Michigan State Police
Trooper Tavon Moore Mississippi Highway Patrol
Corporal Casey M. McDonald Missouri State Highway Patrol
Trooper A. Dennis Pogue Missouri State Highway Patrol
Trooper Braden Heidbrink Nebraska State Patrol
Det. Sft. Michael Gallant New Jersey State Police
Trooper Thomas Stiehler New York State Police
Master Trooper Dedrick O.
Anders, Jr.. North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Trooper Grant E. Baumle Ohio State Highway Patrol
Lieutenant Steven Cornell and
Lieutenant Aaron Hunter Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Trooper Daniel Eaton Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Trooper Austin Albrecht Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Trooper David Sloan Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Trooper Shane R. Eichelberger Pennsylvania State Police
Trp 1st cls. Jeffrey A. Baney Pennsylvania State Police
Troopers Lucas C. Amarose,
Thomas R. Pack and Brendan W.
Dixon Pennsylvania State Police
Lance Corp. Richard A. Lee South Carolina Highway Patrol
Trooper Kyle Knievel South Dakota Highway Patrol
Trooper John Winebrenner Virginia State Police
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; AT&T FIRSTNET, Henry
USA, Panasonic Connect, TREMCO Police Products, AXON, Federal Signal Corp, & Motorola.
Key Points
- Honored for bravery during a high-risk highway incident
- Stopped a wrong-way stolen vehicle threatening drivers
- Used patrol car to end pursuit and prevent potential tragedy
- Escaped without major injuries
- Recognized for courage, selfless service, and dedication
- Award highlights top troopers from across the country
