A staff report
Master Trooper Gary White, with Unit #B537, has been a dedicated North Carolina Highway Patrol member since 2009. Over the years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his duty and a deep sense of compassion for the community he serves. As we spotlight this trooper, let’s delve into his remarkable journey and his significant contributions throughout his career.
Growing up, Trooper White always admired the Highway Patrol for its professionalism and command presence. He said, “I grew up always being interested in the Highway Patrol. I was always impressed by how well-groomed and professional Troopers always appeared and the command presence a Trooper had.”
His fascination with the organization led him to pursue a career in law enforcement, with the Highway Patrol being his sole focus. Despite hearing about the rigorous nature of Patrol School, he never wavered in his determination to join its ranks, showcasing a steadfast commitment to his dream.
After graduating from Patrol School, Trooper White was initially assigned to Sampson County before returning to Bladen County in August 2015. While in Sampson County, he actively participated in the Southeastern MADD program, highlighting his dedication to combating impaired driving.
Trooper White recounted, “I get a lot of my motivation from the first traffic fatality I worked.”
His first fatality wreck involved a drunk driver going left of center and striking another vehicle head-on at 1 p.m. He said, “An innocent lady was the one who lost her live. When we investigate a fatality, we always do a death notification with an immediate adult family member. When myself and another Trooper went to the residence to inform the family, as I knocked on the door, a kid around 12 years old came to the door. When I asked did the deceased live here, the young girl said, that’s my mama she’ll be home anytime now. Those words always stuck with me because I knew her mama wasn’t ever coming home.”
Trooper White received an award for his hard work with DWI enforcement at the annual Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) banquet.
Trooper White’s commitment to excellence didn’t stop there. In February 2023, he earned the prestigious 2022 Top Gun award for Troop B, which covers 11 counties in North Carolina. His outstanding performance continued into the next year when he received the Top Gun Award for 2023 at the B/5 (Bladen & Columbus Counties) Christmas Party.
Throughout his career, Trooper White has encountered numerous memorable moments, but another vehicle stop that stands out was one where he was responding to a vehicle stop, he was approached by a concerned citizen who had witnessed a murder. With quick thinking and a commitment to protecting his community, he pursued the suspect across county lines and played a pivotal role in bringing the suspect to justice.
When Trooper White isn’t on duty, he values spending quality time with his two young children. His interests include hunting, playing and watching sports, and maintaining his physical fitness through running. Additionally, he is an avid houndsman, using his hounds for deer hunting, demonstrating his passion for both nature and responsible hunting practices.
Throughout his career, Trooper White has adhered to the principle of treating everyone with respect and actively listening to their concerns. He understands the importance of effective communication, employing techniques like verbal judo to de-escalate situations and maintain a positive rapport with the community.
Trooper Gary White’s journey with the North Carolina Highway Patrol is a shining example of dedication, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.
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