Media Advisory: Chief of Staff Mark Cate, State Officials to Honor Law Enforcement & First Responders

NASHVILLE --- Gov. Bill Haslam’s Chief of Staff Mark Cate will join the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in honoring 24 law enforcement officers and first responders at this year’s First Responder Awards Ceremony held at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Monday. The ceremony will celebrate those who have dedicated their lives for the safety and security of all Tennesseans. This event is also held in conjunction with National Preparedness Month.

WHO:   Mark Cate, Chief of Staff to Governor Bill Haslam
Bill Gibbons, Commissioner, Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Larry Godwin, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Safety & Homeland Security
David Purkey, Asst. Commissioner/Homeland Security Advisor, Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Rick Shipkowski, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Colonel Tracy Trott, Tennessee Highway Patrol
Jeff Puckett, Deputy Director, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
James Bassham, Director, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

WHAT:  Tennessee First Responder Awards Ceremony

WHEN:  Monday, September 10, 2012
10 a.m. CDT

WHERE: TBI Headquarters
901 R.S. Gass Blvd.
Nashville, TN

Law enforcement officers and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities by creating policy and procedures, training staff and volunteers or responding directly to an emergency. A variety of first responders, including state and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency management officials work daily to ensure the safety and security of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.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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