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On February 13, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department instructed a regular 18-week trooper cadet class that exceeded the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission requirements. The graduation ceremony which took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Pike in Nashville.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) worked overtime during this past weekend’s statewide snowstorm, responding to an extraordinary volume of incidents caused by dangerous road conditions. Troopers assisted motorists, investigated crashes, and ensured public safety in the face of severe weather challenges.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security marked a year of significant achievements in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to protecting and serving Tennesseans. From hiring and training over 150 State Troopers to advancing school safety initiatives and enhancing first responder communication systems, the department’s efforts directly contributed to making Tennessee a safer place to live, work, and thrive.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an unidentified female found lying in the emergency lane of Interstate 40 eastbound in Roane County, one mile east of exit 340 Rockwood Municipal Airport Road near the 341-mile marker, on Oct. 13, at approximately 8:17 p.m. She succumbed to her injuries at the UT Medical Center.

Today, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry, and Dispatch Director Caiti Medling welcomed the latest graduating class of THP dispatchers.

On Oct. 14, at approximately 8:17 p.m. troopers were dispatched to a person lying in the emergency lane of I-40 eastbound in Roane County at the 341-mile marker. This area is approximately one mile east of exit 340, the Rockwood Municipal Airport Road exit. Upon arrival, troopers found a black female with serious injuries. Immediately Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were notified and upon their arrival, EMS transported the female to UT Medical Center.

On July 19, at approximately 7:47 p.m. while on patrol in Putnam County on I-40, mile marker 285, near the Burgess Falls exit, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Trooper Adam Cothron pulled a white Kia Forte over for a traffic violation. During the interaction with the two black males within the Kia, Trooper Cothron was shot. The two males then fled the scene and abandoned the Kia on Hwy 109 near Gallatin, TN.

For the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) 11th Annual America’s Best Looking Trooper Cruisers Contest, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) took photos inside the iconic Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteer Football Program. The photo features a 2023 THP Dodge Charger and Lieutenant Eric Miller, who serves in the Knoxville District. Miller is recognizable from his time on the sidelines escorting University of Tennessee Football Head Coach, Josh Heupel.

On June 30m at approximately 6:15 a.m. while on patrol in Smith County at the Buffalo Valley Rest Area on I-40, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers were investigating a suspicious vehicle parked at the rest area. A trooper approached the vehicle and observed a male and female sleeping inside the vehicle. During the investigation, the trooper confirmed by a V.I.N. check that the vehicle was stolen.

On June 18, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers.

TENNESSEE--- The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is offering free 15-inch cable locks that secure most shotguns, rifles, pistols, and revolvers. The cable lock works by running through the barrel or action of the firearm preventing it from being fired. The rubber coating on the cable helps to protect the firearm. The cable lock has a secure keyed deadbolt locking mechanism with a 4-pin cylinder. To date, 69,500 gunlocks have been distributed.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) plans to increase patrols and utilize a variety of traffic safety enforcement tools to reduce the number of crashes across the state during this year’s Memorial Day holiday period. The THP will conduct saturation patrols, seatbelt, and sobriety checkpoints, as well as increased visibility on high-crash corridors throughout the summer to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes. The 2024 Memorial Day holiday period will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, May 24, and will conclude at 5:59 a.m. Tuesday, May 28.

On April 5, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers.

JACKSON– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking information that may aid in the investigation of a fatal hit-and-run crash in Madison County. Preliminary information indicates that a 2008 to 2012 Buick Enclave, having left side frontend damage was involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Tuesday, March 12th, in Madison County around 10:30 p.m. The location of the incident was I-40 eastbound around mile marker 68. The driver then continued eastbound on I-40 and did not notify law enforcement.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking the public’s assistance in a fatal hit-and-run crash investigation in Marion County. Preliminary information indicates that a female was struck by a vehicle on Saturday, March 30th, possibly between 3:45 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The incident occurred on I-24 East around mile marker 138 on Monteagle Mountain. The hit-and-run vehicle continued eastbound leaving the scene without notifying law enforcement. The deceased female was located by troopers on April 1, 2024.