Trooper First Class Bruce Kenneth Smalls

Trooper First Class Bruce Kenneth Smalls | South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
Trooper First Class Bruce Kenneth Smalls

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Friday, September 27, 1985

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Bruce Kenneth Smalls

Trooper First Class Smalls was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a reckless driver on I-95 in Jasper County.

Unbeknownst to Trooper Smalls, the RV was being driven by a suspect and an accomplice who had just murdered the owner of the vehicle.

The shooter was convicted of Trooper Smalls' murder and was executed on May 3, 2002.

Trooper First Class Smalls was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for nine years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 2002

stolen vehicle, traffic stop

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I personally did not know Trooper Smalls. I was 15 years old when he killed in the line of duty. For the last six years my boyfriend and I travel 95 South to Florida. On this day I am returning home to SC and when I saw the sign that say Jasper County, I remembered Trooper Smalls and I spoke of his tragic death and the sacrifice he made to make our roads of travel safe. Rest In Peace and you will never be forgotten.

Thomasine Green, Traveler

December 31, 2023

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