55 years of service, and one Master Trooper has the stars to prove it...
From Vietnam Veteran, to state trooper, to State Transport Police commander, and then returning to the Highway Patrol, Master Trooper John Wayne Valdario has had a long career in Law Enforcement.
Valdario began his career as a South Carolina Highway Patrolman on January 11, 1970. After holding many positions in law enforcement, his path has led him to "mentor the young people [that] come on" today.
Master Trooper Valdario recently became the first trooper in South Carolina Highway Patrol history to receive an 11th star on his uniform — a specially created badge - each star representing five years of law enforcement service.
In his words, Valdario says, "it's not a piece of cake to put on this uniform... I just get out here every day and do my work, and I love South Carolina, this is where I want to be."
