South Carolina Highway Patrol Commander Col. Chris Williamson | South Carolina Department of Public Safety
South Carolina Highway Patrol Commander Col. Chris Williamson | South Carolina Department of Public Safety
The first African American to serve as commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol now has one of the state’s roadways bearing his name.
Part of Society Hill Road in Darlington County has been dedicated and named for Commander Col. Chris Williamson, SC Now reported.
State Sen. Gerald Malloy (D-Hartsville) lauded the honor for Williamson, a 33-year veteran of the Highway Patrol.
“SC Highway Patrol Commander Chris Williamson is a dedicated public servant and the first African American to serve as commander of the Patrol,” Malloy tweeted July 25. “Naming this stretch of road in his honor is a fitting recognition of his many accomplishments. Well done sir!”
According to SC Now, the section honoring Williamson stretches just over four miles, from Society Hill Road’s Y-interchange with Cashua Street and Cashua Ferry Road, to its Y-interchange with Greenfield Road.
A dedication ceremony was held with the namesake himself and his family in attendance.
Williamson said he was grateful for the honor.
“I can’t thank them enough for putting up with me for 30-something years not being there for birthdays, Christmas and holidays,” he told SC Now. “Those are the sacrifices that you make when you sign up for that type of work. Those are commitments you make to protect citizens.”
One of a dozen children, Williamson, a Darlington native, attributed his parents – cited his father several times during his speech – for teaching him to put others before himself, a lesson he has taken to heart especially in his job.
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