Governor Phil Bredesen Remembers Fallen State Troopers
Nashville, Tennessee — Three wreaths were placed near the lasting memorial at Department of Safety Headquarters Friday, May 16th in observation of National Police Week. Governor Phil Bredesen joined Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr., Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) Commissioner Dave Mitchell, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Mike Walker, THP’s Command Staff, State Troopers and family members for a special memorial service to remember the 38 Troopers killed in the line of duty. The annual event was held at the Tennessee Department of Safety Headquarters, located at 1150 Foster Avenue, in Nashville.
“One of the honors of being Governor is having the opportunity every once and awhile to speak for the people of this great state,” said Governor Bredesen. “Today, as we stop to remember and honor our fallen officers, I know I speak for all Tennesseans when I say to every Trooper patrolling our roads and highways: ‘Thank you for the work you do every day for our state and its people.’”
General Cooper gave the keynote address. Commissioner Mitchell also addressed the crowd. “Today, we’re gathered to remember these brave officers for their dedication,” stated Commissioner Mitchell. “We owe a lasting debt to each and every one of them who sacrificed their lives while serving their communities.”
“These officers illustrate the true meaning of courage and heroism,” said Colonel Walker. “This is a week devoted to honoring all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but throughout the year, not a day goes by that we don’t remember the commitment that they showed. We must always be grateful for their selflessness.”
The service included a roll call of fallen officers, a 21-gun salute by THP’s Special Operations Unit, bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, and a special flyover by THP helicopters with one peeling off the formation to represent “the missing man.”
The service coincided with National Police Week, May 11-17, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was May 15. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. Every member of THP has been wearing mourning bands throughout the week in honor of National Police Week.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol was established in 1929. Since that time, 38 members of THP have died in the line of duty. The last Trooper killed serving his community was Trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks. Trooper Jenks died on January 6, 2007. He was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Highway 14 in Tipton County.