The South Dakota Highway Patrol has awarded the department’s highest honors to a trooper and state inspector.
Trooper Dan Hup of Dell Rapids was named Trooper of the Year, while Motor Carrier Master Inspector Loren Miller was named Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year.
According to the Department of Public Safety, these awards recognize their contributions in "keeping South Dakota a safe place to live, work, visit, and raise a family."
Hup, a Criminal Interdiction Trooper in District 5, has been with the Highway Patrol since 2011. In 2022, he made 208 drug arrests and 190 criminal apprehension arrests, according to a statement from the Highway Patrol. Apart from his role as a State Trooper serving South Dakota, Trooper Hup actively participates in his community, dedicating his free time to supporting various programs and groups.
Miller, who has been with the Motor Carrier Services division of the South Dakota Highway Patrol since 2007, completed 1,490 safety inspections in 2022. During these inspections, he discovered 1,059 safety violations for driver and vehicle equipment and 329 out-of-service violations, leading to the removal of unsafe vehicles and drivers from South Dakota's roadways.
"The South Dakota Highway Patrol is honored to recognize Trooper Hup and Master Inspector Miller for their outstanding work in keeping South Dakota safe," said Colonel Rick Miller, Superintendent of the Highway Patrol. "Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the Highway Patrol's commitment to serve and protect the people of South Dakota.”
The awards were presented at the 11th Annual Awards ceremony in Sioux Falls, which featured Gov. Kristi Noem as the honorary guest speaker. This year's program sponsors were the South Dakota Trucking Association, South Dakota Auto Dealers Association, and AAA of South Dakota.