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TO HONOR AND COMMEND SENIOR TROOPER GABRIEL M. COLBERT OF LEXINGTON COUNTY UPON BEING NAMED SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER OF THE YEAR FOR 2015 AND TO EXPRESS DEEP GRATITUDE FOR HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF HIS COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that the exceptional work of South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Senior Trooper Gabriel M. Colbert of Lexington County has earned him recognition as 2015 Trooper of the Year; and
Whereas, this prestigious honor is awarded to troopers who display courage and valor under extraordinary circumstances, as did Senior Trooper Colbert in October 2015, when he saved the lives of several people stranded in their vehicles during the state's historic "thousand-year flood"; and
Whereas, on Sunday, October 4, 2015, Senior Trooper Colbert was traveling along I-20 West near the 68-mile marker, preparing to close the interstate. He received word that several people were stranded in their vehicles in five to six feet of water on SC 215 at Monticello Road; and
Whereas, he immediately called for assistance from Senior Trooper Brian N. Trotter and proceeded to see if anyone was in these vehicles. Finding three people when they arrived on scene, including a two-year-old child stranded on top of a truck, Senior Trooper Colbert removed his leather gear and equipment, handed them to Senior Trooper Trotter, and without hesitation went into the rising water, jumped the median wall, swam to the stranded people, and individually helped all to safety; and
Whereas, both troopers ensured the people were in a dry patrol car. Because the survivors were from out of state and their vehicles were lost, Senior Trooper Colbert and Senior Trooper Trotter drove them to a hotel and stayed until they were checked in; and
Whereas, before joining the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Senior Trooper Colbert graduated from Airport High School in 2005. Originally from Ocala, Florida, he is married to Taylor. Also honored as one of three Medal of Valor winners for 2015, Senior Trooper Colbert joined the SCHP in July 2012 and is assigned to Troop One, Post D; and
Whereas, grateful for his outstanding work on behalf of the citizens of this State, the members of the South Carolina Senate take great pleasure in saluting Senior Trooper Gabriel M. Colbert on being named 2015 Trooper of the Year. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and commend Senior Trooper Gabriel M. Colbert of Lexington County upon being named South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year for 2015 and express deep gratitude for his meritorious service to the citizens of his community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Senior Trooper Gabriel M. Colbert.
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