Section of I-20 Named in Honor of Fallen Trooper

The S.C. Highway Patrol and S.C. Department of Transportation dedicated a stretch of Interstate 20 in Lexington County Thursday in honor of Patrolman Ben W. Strickland, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in 1974. 

The "Patrolman Ben W. Strickland Memorial Highway" is near the 49-mile marker on I-20 where Patrolman Strickland was gunned down 38 years ago today. Sen. Jake Knotts and Lexington County Sheriff James Metts also attended and spoke at the ceremony. 

“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. 

Strickland was 40 years old at the time of his death, according to the Highway Patrol. He was survived by his wife, Bobbie Strickland of Lexington and two sons, Steven and David. 

Strickland grew up in Dorchester County. He served in the United States Army and as a St. George, S.C. police officer before joining the Highway Patrol. He served in the Lexington County area for his entire 16 years on the Patrol.