New Troopers Hit the Highways

The Tennessee Department of Safety is proud to announce the addition of 39 Troopers to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Graduation ceremonies were held this morning for Trooper Cadet Class 1208 at Two Rivers Baptist Church, located at 2800 McGavock Pike in Nashville.

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Members of Cadet Class 1208 have spent the past 19 weeks undergoing extensive law enforcement training at the Tennessee Department of Safety Training Center. The more than 892 hours of classroom training included criminal and constitutional law, patrol procedures, professional ethical conduct and firearms. The new graduates will now advance to a minimum of 13 weeks of field training. The class motto was: "We Came as Many, We Left as One."

During training, the Cadets took time to participate in two blood drives for the American Red Cross and assisted the Salvation Army with its annual Angel Tree program. The Cadets are also sponsoring 100 meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission during the Holiday Season.

"I am very proud of these men and woman and the commitment they have made to serve their communities," said Commissioner Dave Mitchell, who also gave the keynote address. "These new Troopers are dedicated; they exemplify the best and have earned the right to wear the uniform of the Tennessee Highway Patrol."

Twenty of the 39 Cadets have previous law enforcement experience, and fourteen were members of the military. This is the second class to attend the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama. CDP serves as a training facility that prepares state and local emergency responders to deal with chemical, biological and nuclear terrorist acts and handle incidents dealing with hazardous materials.

"Each one of these Troopers represents what the Tennessee Highway Patrol stands for: professionalism, integrity and pride," stated Colonel Mike Walker. "In my mind, there is no job more important than what they do - and that is keeping Tennessee families safe."

During the ceremony, Trooper John D. Lunceford was presented with the Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence, after being named the top Cadet in the class. The award was renamed last year in honor of the late Trooper Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January, 2007. Trooper Lunceford was selected as top Cadet by THP instructors for his leadership, work ethic and academics. He is assigned to Sullivan County, which is in the Fall Branch District.

      TROOPER                                                         COUNTY ASSIGNMENT

1.  Russell R. Alvarez                                                                              Giles County

2.  Matthew M. Armes                                                                            Roane County

3.  Jamison H. Benefield                                                             Lawrence County

4.  Darren Butler                                                                                   Cannon County

5.  Robert E. Clemmons                                                              Dyer County

6.  Bobby G. Clift                                                                                  Maury County

7.  Dale W. Cole                                                                                   Union County

8.  Michael O. Cummins                                                             Rutherford County

9.  Jason L. Davis                                                                                   Knox County Scales

10. John J. Dye                                                                          Rutherford County

11. Jeromy S. Edwards                                                               Decatur County

12. James W. Gatlin                                                                               Sumner County

13. William E. Gibson                                                                           Smith County

14. Erick R. Gordon                                                                               Hawkins County

15. Spencer E. Hale                                                                               Knox County Scales

16. Timothy C. Hearn                                                                            Wilson County

17. Michael A. Heatherly                                                                        Anderson County

18. David N. Henley                                                                              Hickman County

19. Maureen E. Jensik                                                                            Tipton County

20. Dennis E. Johnson, Jr.                                                                      Knox County Scales

21. Paul A. Kilday                                                                                  Greene County

22. John D. Lunceford                                                                Sullivan County

23. John R. Mayberry                                                                             Crockett County

24. Vincent E. Meaker                                                                            Robertson Co. Scales

25. Jason R. Mounts                                                                               Benton County

26. Nicholas E. Neal                                                                              Marion County

27. James P. Nienast                                                                              Washington County

28. Terry G. Parker, Jr.                                                              Marion County

29. Louis E. Raines                                                                                Jefferson County

30. Rick A. Ray                                                                         McMinn County

31. Shawn W. Seay                                                                                Dickson County

32. Rodney O. Shaw                                                                              Shelby County

33. Matthew S. Sipes                                                                              Chester County

34. Charles G. Slaven                                                                             Cumberland County

35. Harold P. Stewart                                                                             Robertson Co. Scales

36. Gavin E. Sullivan                                                                              Coffee County Scales

37. Matthew R. Vespie                                                                           Roane County

38. Rodney H. Whiles                                                                            Coffee County

39. Todd R. Yelverton                                                                            Haywood Co. Scales