Nashville, Tennessee --- A special service in Nashville today paid tribute to Tennessee State Troopers and other Department of Safety Officers killed in the line of duty. The annual memorial was held at the Department of Safety headquarters, 1150 Foster Avenue.

"Our officers, like all law enforcement officers, put their lives on the line every day," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "It's important that we remember their sacrifices, as well as their accomplishments."

Middle Tennessee U. S. Attorney Jim Vines was the keynote speaker for the event. Family members of fallen officers were also invited to the service. THP Colonel Lynn Pitts said, "Law enforcement officers depend on the support of their families. We want them to know that we're grateful to them as well."

Since the establishment of the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1929, 31 officers have died in the line of duty. The first was Sergeant Charles Hash, who died April 11, 1930 , after being injured while on motorcycle patrol in Shelby County . The last to be killed on the job was Trooper John R. Davis, who died in a traffic crash while working in Humphreys County on March 17, 2001 .

The memorial service included a rifle salute by the THP's Special Operation unit and the playing of Taps . The Special Operations Aviation Unit executed the "missing man formation" during a fly over at the service. The service coincided with National Police Week, observed May 15-21, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.