Media: Photos of the event can be found in the online photo album.

GREENVILLE — The South Carolina Highway Patrol held a Highway Dedication ceremony today in honor of fallen Patrolman Edwin D. Milam, who was killed in the line of duty on Christmas Day of 1934, in Greenville County. The ceremony was held at Mauldin United Methodist Church in Mauldin.

The SC Department of Transportation formally unveiled highway signs designating US-276 between Millennium Boulevard and Forrester Drive in Greenville County as the SCHP Patrolman Edwin D. Milam Memorial Highway. Milam was on duty when he was waved down to break up a disturbance during a Christmas service at a nearby church, where two men not affiliated with the church or celebration were fighting. One of the men had a gun, and as Patrolman Milam tried to secure the weapon, a scuffle ensued. Patrolman Milam was shot several times and struck over the head with a rock. Milam was the fifth South Carolina state trooper to lose his life serving the state of South Carolina, and the first to die as the result of a felonious assault.

“No matter how many years pass, we will never forget the sacrifice of Patrolman Milam and the courage he showed in service of his community,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. “Even after all these years, it is our responsibility to ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come and today we are able to do just that.”

Born August 10, 1909, in Laurens County, Milam was 25 years old and had served with the SC Highway Patrol for barely six months at the time of his death. Although his service was tragically cut short, Milam was described by his command staff and family as a beloved member of the community.

“Troopers put on their badge each day with the sober understanding that there’s a chance they may not return home at the end of their shift,” South Carolina Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson said. “We take this time today to give pause and to eternally say thank you for your sacrifice, Patrolman Milam.”

At the time of his death, Milam was survived by his mother and three siblings. He was laid to rest at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.