Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety today named two veteran Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeants as the first to be promoted under a new transparent promotions system which allows any citizen to view the process via the Department of Safety's webpage. The new THP Lieutenants each have more than 15 years of service with the patrol and registered some of the highest scores of those qualified for the positions.

"Today marks another milepost in implementing changes within the Tennessee Highway Patrol," stated Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "These are the first of a series of promotions that we will make under a new system which is totally transparent. It allows anyone who chooses to view the whole process from beginning to end and see who is promoted, why they were promoted and when they are promoted."

Lieutenant Richard Cash will command Troopers in Dickson, Cheatham and Humphreys Counties . Lieutenant Cash is a 19-year veteran of the THP. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and has most recently served as Sergeant for Dickson County .

Lieutenant Bruce Gildersleeve has been with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 17 years. Lt. Gildersleeve is the new Midnights Lieutenant for the Lawrenceburg District. He has held the rank of Sergeant with the THP since 2000 and most recently served as the THP Sergeant in Maury County .

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker said, "These two gentlemen, like the majority of our Troopers, are good hard working men who conduct themselves professionally and with integrity. I am also pleased to see two of our civilian employees receive much deserved promotions today."

April Diane Langdon will now serve as supervisor for F.A.R.S. (Fatality Analysis Reporting System). Ms. Langdon has worked for the Department of Safety for 21 years and is a 24-year state employee. She most recently worked as a F.A.R.S. analyst.

Jill L. Kellogg will take over as supervisor of the C.V.A.R.S. (Commercial Vehicle Analysis Reporting System). Ms. Kellogg is a 14-year state employee and has worked for the Department of Safety for the last six years. She most recently worked as a C.V.A.R.S. analyst.

Through the Department of Safety's website, anyone can view vacant positions within the Highway Patrol and the test scores of every eligible applicant. This site is updated in real time, allowing the public to view the process as it unfolds.

The promotions website is available at: http://www.tn.gov/safety/promotionmenu.shtml

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.