Darlington Native Honored With Order of the Palmetto Award

McMaster presented Colonel Christopher Williamson with the award in the rotunda of the South Carolina State House.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster presented a Darlington native with the state’s highest civilian honor.

The ‘Order of the Palmetto’ award recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service and statewide or national contributions.

McMaster presented Colonel Christopher Williamson with the award in the rotunda of the South Carolina State House.

Williamson made history in 2017 when he became the first African-American commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. McMaster thanked the patrol commander on behalf of the state.

The award marks a major career milestone for Williamson after nearly four decades in law enforcement. He stated that receiving the award caps off his career.