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TENNESSEE – Beginning May 3, 2023, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants, military bases, and board commercial flights within the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019 and has issued 2.4 million REAL ID credentials to date.

KNOXVILLE– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking information that may aid in investigating a hit-and-run crash in Monroe County. Preliminary information indicates that a dark or maroon flatbed truck was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, October 29th, in Monroe County around 12:39 p.m. The vehicle was pulling a 12ft wood plank trailer that remained at the crash scene. The vehicle continued northbound on Mecca Pike/HWY 39 in Tellico Plains.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the new School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families, a practical resource to help parents prepare and engage in their child’s school safety plan.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking information that may aid in the investigation of a hit-and-run crash in Williamson County. Preliminary information indicates that a red Mercedes SUV, possibly a 2016 to 2020 GLA model, was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, October 15, in Williamson County around 10:51 p.m. The vehicle has damage to the front-end area and missing the front Mercedes emblem. The vehicle was headed South on Old Hillsboro Road, which turns into Leipers Creek Road after the intersection in Leipers Fork.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a nationwide Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) recruitment video and renewed efforts to welcome out of state law enforcement officers to Tennessee.

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry have announced the promotion of Jimmie Johnson III to Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson has demonstrated his passion and devotion to the Tennessee Highway Patrol throughout his 25-year career.

NASHVILLE – Today, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security hosted the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” and First Responder Recognition Ceremony. The Three Stars of Tennessee Award honors public servants who have sacrificed their lives or suffered a career-ending injury in the line of duty. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee State Senator Becky Massey (Knoxville), and Tennessee Office of Homeland Security Director Greg Mays joined recipients, family members, and agency representatives to honor 14 recipients with the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award.”

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will permanently close the West Knox Driver Services Center, located at 430 Montbrook Lane in Knoxville, at 5:00 p.m. September 14. A new Driver Services Center located at 209 Gore Road SW in Knoxville will open on September 19. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

NASHVILLE --- On September 1, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the newest members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). THP cadet class 922 is composed of prior certified law enforcement officers. Of the nine graduates, five were prior out-of-state troopers/state police (Alaska, California, two from Louisiana, and Washington). The other graduates were former THP troopers who rejoined the Tennessee Highway Patrol. THP cadet class 922 completed five weeks of specialized training, which builds upon their training and experience received as prior law enforcement officers. The new troopers will continue training with troopers who are classified as field training officers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a video update on key actions the Lee administration has taken to enhance school safety following Executive Order 97, which directed state agencies to engage parents, increase transparency and collaborate with local law enforcement and school districts.

NASHVILLE- On August 23, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department suffered a heartbreaking loss. Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Sergeant Lee Russell of the THP Aviation Division and Marion County Sheriff’s Department Detective Matt Blansett were conducting an aerial mission in the Chattanooga area when the helicopter they were operating crashed in a wooded area of Marion County. We are saddened to report that both men lost their lives while serving the people of Tennessee on this mission.

NASHVILLE--- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is pleased to announce that more than 18,000 Tennessee teenagers between 15-17 years old have taken the driver’s license knowledge test online since it became an option three months ago on May 16, 2022! The test may be administered in the comfort of your own home 24/7 which offers convenient hours that don’t interfere with work or school.

CHATTANOOGA– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the Chattanooga Citizens’ Academy. The first class starts on September 27 and graduates November 8. Weekly sessions are on Tuesdays and run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CST. The academy is designed to give citizens a better understanding and awareness of THP and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Citizens will receive hands-on instruction and training from state troopers and other department personnel throughout the academy. Classes will be at the Region 2 Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) office.

MEMPHIS – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the Memphis Citizens’ Academy. The first class starts on September 20, and ends November 1. Weekly sessions run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CST. The academy is designed to give citizens a better understanding and awareness of THP and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Citizens will receive hands-on instruction and training from state troopers and other department personnel throughout the academy. Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays, at the Greater Imani Church in Memphis.