23 New Troopers Hit the Road!
Every highway trip depends on someone being ready when things go wrong. Tennessee just added 23 more people to that job, strengthening one of the state's most visible public safety workforces.
Governor Bill Lee recently joined Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Matt Perry to welcome the graduates of Tennessee Highway Patrol Class 98 during a ceremony in Nashville. After completing 17 weeks of intensive training, the 23 new state troopers are officially headed into communities across the state, where they'll patrol highways, respond to crashes, and assist motorists in need.
Built for the Job
The newest class reflects a mix of experience and fresh talent. Twenty-one men and two women graduated, with nine troopers bringing a combined 61 years of military service. Seven graduates also hold college degrees, including five bachelor's degrees and two associate's degrees, adding another layer of preparation before ever stepping into a patrol car.
Training at the Tennessee Highway Patrol goes well beyond learning traffic laws. Cadets complete physical fitness, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, firearms instruction, crash investigation, and other specialized coursework designed to prepare them for the unpredictable nature of highway policing. By graduation day, they've met standards that exceed Tennessee's Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission requirements.
More Than Highway Patrol
While many people associate state troopers with traffic enforcement, their role reaches much further. Troopers investigate serious crashes, support local law enforcement agencies, assist during severe weather and natural disasters, protect state officials when needed, and respond to emergencies across Tennessee. They often become the first face people see during some of the most stressful moments of a road trip.
During the graduation ceremony, Commissioner Long praised the class for earning the privilege of serving Tennesseans, while Colonel Perry reminded graduates that finishing training marked the beginning of their responsibility, not the end of it. As travel continues to grow across the state, these 23 new troopers represent another investment in keeping Tennessee's highways and communities safe for everyone who calls the Volunteer State home or simply passes through it.
Explore more of the organizations supporting Tennessee at https://www.guidetotennessee.com/community-organizations.
