TDOS Announces Trooper of the Year
Friday, May 29, 2009 | 07:00am
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NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) today named Trooper Kevin Curtis as Trooper of the Year 2007 and Trooper Andy Forsythe as Trooper of the Year 2008. The announcements were made during a special ceremony Friday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m., at the THP Training Center located at 275 Stewarts Ferry Pike in Nashville.
Trooper Kevin Curtis is assigned to McNairy County in the Jackson District and was named Trooper of the Year 2007 for the dedication he showed investigating a horrific crash that occurred during an exhibition in Selmer, TN. Trooper Curtis spent more than 300 hours investigating the crash that killed six bystanders and seriously injured 22 others. Trooper Curtis displayed true professionalism and compassion working with each of the families involved, while managing his normal day to day responsibilities.
Trooper Andy Forsythe has been a member of THP since 1998 and is stationed in Weakley County. Last May, Trooper Forsythe came upon a fiery crash where some of the occupants of both vehicles were trapped. Trooper Forsythe physically bent back the top of one of the vehicles to free the driver and helped rescue some of the other seven victims. His heroic actions most assuredly saved at least two of the victims from perishing in the burning vehicles, and for this, Trooper Forsythe has been named Trooper of the Year 2008.
“These Troopers represent the outstanding achievements of the men and women of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Often, the public does not see the good work done by the officers of this fine organization.”
THP Colonel Mike Walker added, “Many of these dedicated Troopers are being recognized for their hard work and enforcement activity, and others for concern for their fellow man and community involvement. All have exemplified Professionalism, Integrity, and Pride. I am proud of each one of them.”
Eighteen other member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol were also honored and named as Trooper of the Year for their individual districts.
Trooper of Year 2007:
Trooper Angelia Jeffers is stationed in the Knoxville District and is a member of the THP Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. She was chosen as the 2007 Trooper of the Year for District 1 because of her continued professionalism and compassion. Trooper Jeffers is a member of the District Helping Hands Ministry and is always willing to help mentor, counsel and assist her fellow employees and others in the law enforcement field.
Trooper of the Year 2007 for the Chattanooga District is Trooper Matt Blair. Trooper Blair is known for looking “beyond the stop”, which was illustrated in October of 2007 when he stopped to assist a motorist on I-75 in McMinn County. After questioning the individuals needing assistance, Trooper Blair made an arrest which ultimately led to one of them being convicted of second-degree murder for an incident that had occurred earlier in the day in Bradley County.
Trooper Shaun Boyd is Trooper of the Year 2007 for the Nashville District. He is a lead member of the Interdiction Plus Team and serves as the Terrorism Liaison Officer for the District. Trooper Boyd was selected for his keen investigative techniques which have led to several major interdiction arrests, cash seizures and fugitive apprehensions. Trooper Boyd is an outstanding road Trooper and consistently works toward promoting public safety.
Sergeant Roy Brown is currently assigned to the Memphis District. He has served as Litter Trooper and most recently as the District Terrorism Liaison Officer. Sgt. Brown was named Trooper of the Year 2007 for District 4 because of his dedication to the department. Sgt. Brown is also a member of the Army National Guard where he works in the field of Military Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism.
The 2007 Trooper of the Year for the Fall Branch District is Trooper Doug Brewer. He was chosen because his work ethic and dedication is second to none. Trooper Brewer’s conduct, attitude and appearance exemplify the high standards of professionalism that the THP has set for its members. Trooper Brewer also continues to be among the top in all activity, with 14 felony arrests in 2007.
Trooper Michael Williams is assigned to the Cookeville District and was selected for his outstanding work and dedication to the department. Trooper Williams is among the top in his district. In 2007, he made 39 DUI arrests and 33 felony arrests. That year, Trooper Williams also made the arrest of a Brink’s Armored Carrier robbery suspect and recovered more than $110,000.00 in stolen money.
Trooper Jeremy Miller is assigned to Maury County and has been named Trooper of the Year for the Lawrenceburg District. Trooper Miller is a lead member of the Interdiction Plus Team and has numerous drug arrests, including eight felonies. In 2007, Trooper Miller was instrumental in the recovery of a stolen Caterpillar Excavator valued at $115,000.00.
Sergeant Anthony Caudle is Trooper of the Year for the 9th/Administrative District. Sgt. Caudle is currently assigned to the Executive Security Detail. In October of 2007, then Trooper Caudle was off-duty when he noticed an individual behind a church with what appeared to be a rifle. Sgt. Caudle approached the individual and was able to secure the weapon and arrest the suspect. It was later learned that the subject was intoxicated and was plotting to ambush the Rutherford County Sheriff.
Trooper Larry Blakney is stationed at the Knox County Scales Complex and has been selected as Trooper of the Year for District 11. Trooper Blakney is a member of the THP Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team and assisted with the aftermath of the tornados that ripped through Macon County. His dedication and professionalism make him a true asset to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Trooper Sandra Stevens is Trooper of the Year for District 12. She is stationed at the Manchester Scales Complex and is a 21-year veteran of the Department of Safety. Trooper Stevens performed nearly 900 Commercial Vehicle Inspections and issued 645 citations in 2007. She is a dedicated Trooper and consistently a top producer in Commercial Vehicle Inspections and Enforcement. Trooper Stevens was selected for this award for her role in keeping Tennessee roadways safe.
Trooper of the Year 2008:
Trooper Carey Hixon is a 12-year veteran of the department and is currently stationed in Loudon County. In April of 2008, Trooper Hixon responded to a BOLO for an armed robbery suspect and was able to successfully capture the subject, who was wanted for four armed robberies and two assaults with a deadly weapon. The following month, he assisted the FBI with a traffic stop that resulted in gathering valuable information for an ongoing FBI case. His dedication and excellence in field is why Trooper Hixon is Trooper of the Year for the Knoxville District.
Trooper of the Year for the Chattanooga District is Trooper Gordon Roberts. In 2008, Trooper Roberts led the District in enforcement activity. He issued 135 speeding-truck citations, 886 non-moving citations and 1268 total citations. Trooper Roberts is always willing to participate in any special assignment or event happening in the District. He consistently requests specialized training and is dedicated to improving DUI enforcement.
Trooper Chad Bilbrey has been named Trooper of the Year for the Nashville District. Trooper Bilbrey joined the THP in 2000, and is currently a member of the Strike Team. In 2008, Trooper Bilbrey arrested 46 drivers for DUI, issued 639 total citations, investigated 94 crashes and made 14 felony arrests. Trooper Bilbrey continuously strives to be a leader among his peers, and his professionalism represents the highest standards and traditions of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Trooper R.L. Blayde has been a member of the THP since 2002. He is currently assigned as the Motor Coach Trooper for the Special Programs Division and is a member of the Strike Team. Trooper Blayde was chosen as the Memphis District Trooper of the Year because of his dedication to the department and the citizens of Tennessee. In 2008, he conducted the most Commercial Vehicle inspections (931) and issued the most speeding-truck citations. Trooper Blayde also conducted 36 hazardous material inspections and placed 160 vehicles and 72 drivers out of service.
2008 Trooper of the Year for the Fall Branch District is Trooper Josh Mabe. Trooper Mabe is assigned to Hancock County, where he was born and raised. In 2008, Trooper Mabe wrote a total of 1,126 citations, including 29 citations for violation of the Child Restraint law, which was the highest in the District. Trooper Mabe is involved in many activities with THP. He is a member of the Strike Team and Operation Desert Snow, and he is well respected by his co-workers who say Trooper Mabe always wears a smile and has a positive attitude, even in the toughest of situations.
Trooper Dewaine Jennings is Trooper of the Year for the Cookeville District. Trooper Jennings is a member of the Strike Team and assists with the Field Training Officer Program, where he leads by example everyday. Trooper Jennings’ enforcement activity was also top in every category in his District. His work ethic, professionalism and pride in his everyday duties as Tennessee Highway Patrol State Trooper make Trooper Jennings one of the best and a clear choice for this award.
Trooper Michael Kilpatrick has been named as 2008 Trooper of the Year for the Lawrenceburg District. Trooper Kilpatrick excels in all aspects of his job, and his enforcement activity was among the top in the District. Last year, Trooper Kilpatrick made 13 DUI arrests, 23 felony arrests and seized five vehicles for drug violations. He issued 1,265 citations all while investigating more than 100 crashes. Trooper Kilpatrick is a member of the 7th District’s Interdiction Plus team and has recently been certified with his new K-9 partner, “Chad.”
2008 Trooper of the Year for the 9th/Administrative District is Trooper Jeremy Austin. Trooper Austin was selected for this award for his tireless efforts and dedication to the TRACS/TITAN implementation. Trooper Austin demonstrates tremendous knowledge and skill, not only as a Tennessee State Trooper, but also in the technology arena. Trooper Austin is a member of the THP Honor Guard and a great asset to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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.
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