North Carolina Highway Patrol receives gift baskets and food as appreciation for their work on July 17. The Highway Patrol is celebrating 91 years of service. | North Carolina Highway Patrol/Twitter
North Carolina Highway Patrol receives gift baskets and food as appreciation for their work on July 17. The Highway Patrol is celebrating 91 years of service. | North Carolina Highway Patrol/Twitter
For 91 years, the North Carolina State Patrol has served the people of the Tar Heel state.
Though it is not a milestone anniversary, Cmdr. Glenn M. McNeill Jr. posted a message in honor of the 91-year history as troopers face new challenges because of COVID-19 and a nationwide movement to reform how police operate amid the death of a Black man by a Minneapolis cop.
"Undeniably, 2020 has produced several challenges never observed by our organization," McNeill said in a statement posted to the State Patrol's Facebook page on July 1. "While facing unprecedented adversity, each of you have demonstrated unwavering dedication and steadfast devotion to help others in need."
North Carolina's Highway Patrol covers the second-most number of miles behind Texas, with approximately 1,600 troopers, according to its website. The division's main goal is highway safety, but it also is on the frontlines during hurricanes, traffic management in case of chemical spills or dealing with terrorism acts. And for those who speed or commit other violations, troopers are there to enforce traffic laws.
"Today marks yet another year of outstanding service, professionalism and commitment and I am truly proud to be the leader of our organization," McNeill said in the statement. "Let us be thankful and humbled by this calling and reaffirm our joint pledge to build upon 91 years of outstanding work."
Alerts Sign-up