North Carolina Highway Patrol
has worked to keep the state's roads safe.
Tuesday, the state Highway Patrol is commemorating its diamond anniversary.
Since 1929, the mission of the Highway Patrol has not changed. From a handful of patrolmen in 1929, the Highway Patrol now employs 1,445 troopers and 365 motor carrier officers to cover more than 78,000 miles of North Carolina roadways.
"Our primary mission has basically stayed the same. We've expanded a little bit to deal with the issues of terrorism," said Col. Fletcher Clay, of the state Highway Patrol.
One of the biggest responsibilities of troopers of the past was running down moonshiners.
"They really weren't mean. A lot of them were just good poeple and that was the way they made their living," retired trooper Milton Hayes said. "A lot of your race car drivers first ran moonshine."
The public was invited Tuesday to the celebration at Dorton Arena at the State Fairgrounds where Highway Patrol helicopters and vintage cars were on display.
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