SC trooper killed after Orangeburg crash to be laid to rest

Aug 20, 2025 11:29 AM EDT

ABC Columbia Staff,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)–

Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, hundreds of fellow officers and loved ones met for the funeral service of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks.

The ceremony took place at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, led by the church’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Daniel Dickard.

Governor Henry McMaster, and Attorney General Alan Wilson attended the service along with law enforcement from across the state.

Speakers at the funeral highlighted the love that Trooper Ricks’ had for his family, and others.

Trooper Ricks was hit and killed by a truck while on duty last week.

He died on Aug. 13, at a North Charleston hospital, four days after being hit by a box truck while he was conducting a traffic stop along I-26 in Orangeburg County.

According to investigators, the collision happened on August 10, and Ricks died days later at the age of 30.

Police have since charged the driver of the truck, and authorities are reminding everyone to move over for law enforcement.

Governor Henry McMaster ordered flags on the State House Dome, state buildings, and buildings of political subdivisions to fly at half-staff Wednesday from sunrise until sunset in tribute to Ricks.

In lieu of flowers, Ricks’ family asks for you to donate to Serve & Connect’s fundraiser. Click here to donate.