Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Lee.
Hi Brian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I grew up in Hartsville SC. After Graduating High School, I left for Nashville Tenn.1986. I attended Trevecca Nazarene University. I studied Mass Communication. In 1990 I returned back home to Hartsville SC. I went to work in a Machine Shop for Lane Manufacturing and Hogge Precesion. In 1992 I decided to get into Law Enforcement. I worked for Sonoco Products company as a security specialist. In 1994 I joined the McBee Police Department as A Police Officer. I attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I worked from 1994-1995 in McBee Police. In 1995 I joined the Darlington County Sheriff’s office as a deputy. I worked from 1995 to 2007 as a deputy. I experienced many situations and dealt with a lot of cases. I was on line patrol, court security, family court, warrant division, and school resource officer. In 2007 I joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol as A South Carolina State Trooper. I worked on line patrol working collision and enforcing traffic laws. I then moved over to our Safety Improvement team (SIT) as a work zone enforcement officer. I had a chance to switch over to our Motorcycle team. I rode a motorcycle for 6years, my job as a motor unit was to enforce traffic laws on the motorcycle in area where the roads were not easy to patrol. I was a part of many motorcades, for President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden. We lead many Military General through Columbia SC as well. We did escorts for Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, Mike Pence when they would visit SC. During my time on the motor unit, I was struck several times. I changed position after this. I am now a Community Relations Officer. My responsibility is to Communicate Highway Patrol Information to the media. I also speak to community groups about public safety. I work close with the media for information related to fatal deaths in South Carolina. During winter storms, hurricanes I work with National news Media to keep them informed on our road conditions and changes to our area. We also work the Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach SC to encourage attending fans to make good decisions Not To Drink and Drive.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I struggled early on my career choice. After several years I eventually understood what I was interested in doing. Life is difficult for many young people today because of the lack of exposure to the job world.
I was struck on my Motorcycle while attempting a traffic stop. The car changed lanes and struck my motorcycle near Columbia SC. I was out of work for over a year.
I was also in several crashes during my career. I was struck by a driver trying to get away from her boyfriend. The driver did a u-turn in the roadway and hit my vehicle. My patrol car caught fire. I was trapped inside, A motorists stopped and pulled me out of the burning vehicle.
On Christmas night I was working, I got a call that we had a shooting at a club, while trying to get to this location, I hit a patch of black ice causing my vehicle to strike a bridge and guard rail. I broke both ankles. I climb out of the car and fell into the roadway. I had to roll back under the car so I would not get hit by a passing vehicle. Eventually, someone stopped to help me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have over 26 years in Law Enforcement. I enjoy my job; I enjoy helping people and making a difference. I am most proud of family- My son Brendan is 18 years old. He is currently racing cars and trying to make a name for himself. I spend most weekends racing. Before he was born, I raced for several years. I won many races as a hobby racer. I raced at Florence Motor Speedway, Dillon Motor Speedway, Caraway Speedway in Ashboro NC. I have lots of memories and trophy to highlights my career. I enjoyed racing; it was a stress release from work. I have been married 25 years to my wonderful wife Penny. She is in the nursing field. I am extremely proud of her. My Mom and dad were instrumental in my spiritual life. My sister lives in Florida since she got married over 30 years ago. My daughter is almost 14 and is a very talented dancer. She has been dancing since she was 2. She has been to many co taken many classes for her talent.
I made many mistakes in my career but thankfully my spiritual life has kept me safe from harm.
I am just like other people in life, we all struggle to make the right choices, do the right thing, and hope we make the right decisions. I try to encourage young people to make good decision. I coach little league baseball, football, soccer, basketball in my community for years. I have some great memories where kids still come up to me today and thank me for what great times we had when they were younger.
What’s next?
I plan to continue working in Law enforcement for now. I would love to travel and tell my whole story to groups of people around the world. I have experienced many places; I went to Swaziland Africa with my church. This was the most eye-opening experience for me. Things are so different in other countries. I was able to work on a school building and help clean up our Nazarene Bible College.
I have been very blessed to travel to many states and countries.
I am not sure what my future hold for me. I am open to many opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Email: deerroot@yahoo.com
- Instagram: schp_troop5
- Twitter: @schp_Troop5
- Other: instagram- deerroot
