COLUMBIA (WACH) - A stretch of Interstate 20 in Lexington County was dedicated today by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and South Carolina Department of Transportation in honor of trooper that was killed in on duty.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Patrolman Ben W. Strickland was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Strickland arrested the driver of a vehicle during the stop. The passenger of the vehicle shot and killed Strickland. The Patrolman Ben W. Strickland Memorial Highway is near the 49 mile marker on I-20 where Strickland was gunned down on May 31, 1974.
“This is a very solemn and special occasion for the South Carolina Highway Patrol. It proves that regardless of the number of years that may pass, the sacrifices made by these fallen troopers continue to hold a place of honor within this organization and the State of South Carolina,” said Col. Mike Oliver.
Sen. Jake Knotts and Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts also spoke at the ceremony.
"All I can remember today is a man who was willing each and every day, eager to be a servant to the people," said Sheriff Metts.
Authorities say Strickland was 40 years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, Bobbie Strickland of Lexington and two sons, Steven and David.
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