New State Trooper Reunites with Patrolman Who Inspired Him

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- A highway patrolman goes beyond the badge, a move that would make a lifetime difference for one area boy.

“It meant a lot to me that this trooper took a few minutes to stand there and take a photo with me,Trooper Joseph Ragsdale said.

As a child Ragsdale’s love and respect for law enforcement was pretty hard to miss.

“I knew when he was young he’d probably end up with the military or law enforcement because of the love I saw in his eyes when he would see a police officer or someone in uniform,” Joseph’s mother, Robin said.

Robin said Joseph would always want a picture with law enforcement officials.

One day, Robin had a minor crash that Sergeant Quest Hallman was called to.

“I was so amazed at how the Trooper held himself, the uniform that he wore, the kindness he showed to my family, and I wanted a photo with him,” Joseph said.

Joseph was too nervous to ask for a picture, so asked his dad do it. And with a snap of a camera, the rest was history.

“I was praying about it, and I felt like highway patrol was the best,” Joseph said. “It was something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Now years later the little boy in that photo is a grown man, who recently graduated to the Highway patrol and got reconnected with the man who inspired him the most.

“I wanted to be like that trooper that impacted my life, Joseph said. “That’s what I want to do, impact the lives of children in our community.”

“I felt proud, but I also felt humble that I was just out there doing my job, treating people the way I want to be treated,” Hallman said.

“I’m a proud mama, and I love my son,” Robin said crying. “You worry when he leaves out the door if he’s going to come home at night.”

Joseph said he hopes to do for others what Hallman did for him.

“I strive to be an impact, not an influence,” Joseph said. “I think an impact is more important in young peoples lives.”