COLUMBIA —The South Carolina State Transport Police (STP) announced its 2023 Officer of the Year during a ceremony held recently in Columbia.
This year’s overall winner for STP Officer of the Year is Officer First Class L.M. Loredo (pictured at top), who was recognized for her hard work and outstanding performance in Region 1 (Columbia area). With more than 1,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections in 2023, as well as her exceptional enforcement efforts during that time, Loredo demonstrated the pride she takes in her work and her dedication to keeping South Carolina roads safe. In addition to her accomplishments from 2023, Loredo was recognized as STP’s 2022 Rookie of the Year.
A division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the State Transport Police is primarily responsible for enforcing state and federal laws governing commercial motor vehicle traffic.
“The STP Officer of the Year Ceremony is our way of thanking these officers for the incredible work they put in throughout the year to keep our roads safe,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV said. “It is a privilege to see so many dedicated professionals committed to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina.”
Colonel Dwayne D. Wilson, commander of the State Transport Police, recognized the overall winner, as well as region-wide winners for the exceptional work and service demonstrated throughout 2023.
“These officers don’t just meet expectations — they exceed them,” Wilson said. “I am proud to announce Officer First Class Loredo as this year’s STP Officer of the Year. And I am equally proud of all the regional winners. Each one of these officers shine as a prime example of what it means to be committed to making a difference, saving lives, and performing their duties with care and diligence.”
2023 Overall STP Officer of the Year
Officer First Class L.M. Loredo
Region 1 (Columbia area)
The following is a list of Region Officer of the Year winners:
*Indicates overall winner
· Region 1 (Columbia area): Officer First Class L.M. Loredo*
· Region 2 (Greenwood area): Lance Corporal T.D. Fagan
· Region 3 (Greenville area): Officer P.C. Thrasher
· Region 4 (Rock Hill area): Lance Corporal B.N. Brierley
· Region 5 (Florence area): Master Officer T.A. Williams
· Region 6 (Charleston area): Senior Officer T.I. Sanders
· Region 7 (Special Operations): Lance Corporal B.L. Baker
· Motor Carrier Compliance Unit: Master Officer T.A. Sullivan
Special awards and recognitions included:
Rookie of the Year Award: This award is given to an STP officer who has performed well above expectations and who is also in their first year of their law enforcement career.
Officer Hannah M. Gilstrap, Region 3 (Greenville area)
Region of the Year Award: This award is presented to the STP Region with the highest total points earned across a variety of categories, including inspection activity, off-peak activity, safety talks, collision reduction efforts, and more. The points are weighted based on the number of officers employed in each Region so that each Region has a fair chance to earn recognition
Region 3 (Greenville area)
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.
