A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Master Trooper John Wayne Valdario Sr. for his fifty-five years of DEDICATED SERVICE to the south carolina department of public safety AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to recognize Master Trooper John Wayne Valdario Sr. for his fifty-five years of dedicated service to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety; and

 

Whereas, a native of Massachusetts, Master Trooper Valdario wanted to be a police officer as a child. After enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966, he planned to return to New England and join the Massachusetts State Patrol, but when he left Vietnam in 1968, he received orders for Aiken; and

 

Whereas, while in Aiken, Master Trooper Valdario was encouraged to apply for the South Carolina Highway Patrol. In 1970, he began his new career in law enforcement. He moved through his career and, in 1933, was transferred and promoted to Major and Commander of the newly-created State Transport Police; and

 

Whereas, Master Trooper Valdario retired from the Highway Patrol in December of 2001 when he was activated with the Air National Guard after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. During his two years with the Air National Guard, he remained in the Midlands area and worked for the Pine Ridge Police Department. In 2003, he returned to the Highway Patrol to work in the Insurance Enforcement Unit; and

 

Whereas, at a trooper graduation ceremony, Master Trooper Valdario was honored with a special badge set bearing the title "Commander." He was the State Transport Police's first commander and the only officer to ever hold that title; and

 

Whereas, on January 10, 2025, Master Trooper Valdario received his eleventh star from the Colonel of the Highway Patrol. This represents his fifty-five years in law enforcement in the State of South Carolina, fifty-two years of which he worked with the Department of Public Safety and three years of which he worked with the Town of Pine Ridge; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly appreciate the passion and dedication that Master Trooper Valdario has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Master Trooper John Wayne Valdario Sr. for his fifty-five years of dedicated service to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Master Trooper John Wayne Valdario Sr.

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