TROOPER OF THE YEAR: From left to right, Myron Rau, president of the SD Trucking Association and SD Auto Dealers Association; Trooper Brandon Miller and Col. Rick Miller, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Two members of the South Dakota Highway Patrol have received the agency’s two major yearly awards.

Trooper Brandon Miller, who is stationed in Webster, has been named as Trooper of the Year. Motor Carrier Inspector Curt Blasy, who is stationed in Sioux Falls, has been named as Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year.

“These two selectees are worthy winners because they personify the best examples of the Highway Patrol,” said Col. Rick Miller, superintendent of the Highway Patrol. “Both are exceptional employees who every day serve the citizens of this state at a high level.”

Trooper Miller, a Sisseton native, joined the Highway Patrol in 2014 after serving 11 years in the United States Marines. Among his additional duties, he serves as an instructor for firearms and is a Honor Guard member. This year, Trooper Miller also was selected to be a Police Service Dog handler.

Motor Carrier Inspector Blasy, who is originally from Rapid City, served 23 years as a Highway Patrol trooper retiring as a First Sergeant in 2006. He returned to the Patrol as a Motor Carrier Inspector in 2014. Inspector Blasy was promoted as a Master Inspector in 2019.

The awards were presented Wednesday at a luncheon in Sioux Falls. This year’s program sponsors were the South Dakota Trucking Association and the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association.

The Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.