South Dakota Highway Patrol Hosts 13th Annual Awards Ceremony

Deadwood, S.D.- The South Dakota Highway Patrol is proud to announce Trooper Joseph Peterson has been named 2024 Trooper of the Year, and Inspector Kelly Oxender has been named 2024 Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year. These awards are one of the Highway Patrol's highest honors and recognize the outstanding contributions of Trooper Peterson and Inspector Oxender in keeping South Dakota a safe place to live, work, visit, and raise a family. The awards were presented by Governor Larry Rhoden.

Trooper Peterson has been with the Highway Patrol nearly 11 years and is stationed in Sioux Falls. Trooper Peterson is well-respected due to his high drive, work ethic, teamwork, community involvement and steadfast dedication to the agency. He is a subject matter expert in many areas and serves as a senior crash reconstructionist and drug recognition expert instructor. Despite these extra duties he is still one of the top contributors to highway safety through his enforcement efforts on our highways.

Inspector Kelly Oxender has been with the Motor Carrier Services division of the South Dakota Highway Patrol since 2022. Inspector Oxender is known as a hard-working Motor Carrier Inspector and a person of great character, integrity, and a team player. Last year she completed over 800 commercial motor vehicle inspections. Inspector Oxender also excels at training others while continually striving to expand her own knowledge. Her co-workers say she has an eye for detail and a strong drive for excellence. Inspector Oxender puts the safety of her fellow inspectors, the citizens of South Dakota, and those traveling through our state as top priority.

"The South Dakota Highway Patrol is proud to recognize Trooper Peterson and Inspector Oxender for their remarkable work in 2024," said Colonel Casey Collins, Superintendent of the Highway Patrol. 

The awards were presented this week at the 13th Annual Highway Patrol Awards Ceremony in Deadwood, which featured Governor Larry Rhoden as the keynote speaker. “Our troopers and inspectors are on the front lines, keeping our state strong, safe, and free,” Governor Rhoden said. “They are held to high standards and represent the state well.”

The South Dakota Trucking Association, South Dakota Auto Dealers Association, and AAA of South Dakota sponsored the event.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
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Gov. Larry Rhoden and Col. Casey Collins present Trooper Joseph Peterson with the Trooper of the Year award.

Inspector Kelly Oxender accepts the SDHP Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year Award from Governor Rhoden and Col. Casey Collins.

Governor Larry Rhoden joins DPS Cabinet Secretary Robert Perry, Col. Casey Collins, and award recipients Trooper Joseph Peterson and Inspector Kelly Oxender at the 13th Annual South Dakota Highway Patrol Awards Ceremony. Peterson (L) and Oxender (R) were recognized as the 2024 Trooper and Inspector of the Year.