S.C. Trooper 'Fighting for His Life' after Truck Hits Him During Stop
What to know
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South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was critically injured Sunday when he was struck by a passing box truck during a traffic stop in Orangeburg County.
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Ricks, who joined the Highway Patrol in January 2023, was airlifted to a North Charleston hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
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Serve & Connect launched a fundraiser for Ricks’ family as colleagues and loved ones continue to request prayers for his recovery.
Source The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was critically injured Sunday while in the line of duty, officials said.
Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was airlifted to a hospital after getting severely injured, the South Carolina Troopers Association said.
Early Sunday morning, Ricks was conducting a traffic stop in Orangeburg County when he was hit by a passing box truck, according to Serve & Connect — a South Carolina-based nonprofit that says it is “focused on fostering positive change through sustainable police and community partnerships.” Serve & Connect was founded in memory of Forest Acres Police Department Officer Greg Alia, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2015.
Ricks is “fighting for his life,” Serve & Connect said. Further information on his condition was not available.
No other injuries were reported.
Information about where the crash happened, and the exact time, was not available. There was no word if anyone involved in the traffic stop or collision is facing any criminal charges.
Ricks, who has been with the Highway Patrol since January 2023, was taken to a hospital in North Charleston where he remains in critical condition, Serve & Connect said in a fundraiser it set up to benefit the family of the injured trooper.
“Trooper First Class Ricks has a passion for serving his community well every single day,” Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson said in the fundraiser. “Alongside his wife and family, his brothers and sisters in uniform are praying hard for his recovery.”
Ricks’ wife Jade also asked for prayers while praising her husband.
“He is truly the love of my life. Dennis is my safe place, my strength,” Jade said in the fundraiser. “He is the kindest, sweetest and most gentle soul. To say he is a phenomenal man and husband is quite an understatement. Please pray for Dennis.”
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