South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal Zachary Glenn Rickard proudly served the people of his state after joining the agency in July 2017. From an early age, Rickard was drawn to serving others. After spending time as a firefighter, he witnessed firsthand the devastating aftermath of serious crashes and realized he wanted to help prevent tragedies before they happened. That calling led him to law enforcement.
Growing up in a close-knit family with a younger sister, Rickard enjoyed playing golf and baseball, riding dirt bikes, attending church, and developing an interest in meteorology. His values of faith, family, and service were instilled in him from an early age and continue to guide his life today.
As a state trooper, Rickard found greatest fulfillment in DUI enforcement and traffic safety, knowing that every impaired driver removed from the road had the potential to save lives. He also took pride in working traffic enforcement at University of South Carolina football games, serving, and protecting thousands of citizens and visitors.
During his career, Rickard graduated from South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Motor Unit and earned recognition as a Hard Charger. His commitment to excellence and dedication to serving others never wavered.
On September 18, 2023, while pursuing a vehicle in the line of duty, Rickard’s life changed forever when a truck crossed into his path and struck him. He suffered catastrophic injuries, including compartment syndrome, a severed femoral artery, numerous broken ribs, and compound femur fractures on both legs. After a long and difficult recovery, he ultimately underwent an above-the-knee amputation on December 5, 2023.
Despite unimaginable challenges, Rickard’s resilience and unwavering faith have remained steadfast. Today, he enjoys studying God’s word, growing fruit trees, practicing bonsai, playing music – including guitar, piano, and singing – and spending time with his wife, Madison, and daughter, Mallory.
Rickard is thankful to Tunnel to Towers for providing him with a mortgage free ADA accessible smart home. The home has relieved not only the physical challenges of daily living, but also the financial burden that accompanied his injuries. It has provided renewed independence, hope, and peace as Rickard and his family continue to build their future together.
When asked what he hopes others take away from his story, South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal Zachary Glenn Rickard’s answer reflects the foundation of his life: “The Lord is with you through the valleys and on the mountain tops.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal Zachary Glenn Rickard with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.