Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David W. Purkey Announces the Appointments of Special Assistant to the Commissioner Dwayne Collins and Supervisory Agent Jerry Stout

NASHVILLE - Agent Dwayne Collins and Agent Jerry Stout have been appointed to new leadership positions within the division of the Office of Homeland Security.

Agent Collins joined our administrative team on February 15. He will be assisting me with special departmental projects implementing statewide initiatives that are deemed high priority. Agent Collins has been an integral part of the Homeland Security team as a Supervisory Agent for the Bureau of Operations. His 21 years in law enforcement and 10 years in the Office of Homeland Security give him comprehensive knowledge of public safety.

Agent Collins moved to Tennessee from Maryland in 1977 and has spent the majority of his youth and adult life in Hancock County, though he resides in Morristown. He started his public safety career as a law enforcement officer with the Morristown Police Department. Dwayne progressed rapidly through the ranks leading him to the Office of Homeland Security. As the Homeland Security Supervisory Agent for the Bureau of Operations, Collins supervised agents in East, Middle and West Tennessee. The Operations Bureau conducts partnership programs with state and federal law enforcement agencies, enhancing security measures. The bureau places emphasis on the statewide Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) program. Our staff works closely with local and state agencies reporting and following up on suspicious activities in Tennessee.

Agent Collins is an adjunct instructor for the Criminal Justice Department at Walters State Community College where he received his associate degree in public safety. He furthered his education by graduating from Tusculum College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Milligan College.

Agent Jerry Stout has accepted the promotion to Supervisory Agent for Operations for the Office of Homeland Security and will begin his new role soon. Agent Stout has an extensive law enforcement history that will provide the knowledge and leadership needed for this important position. He will be replacing Agent Collins who previously occupied this role.

Agent Stout has been with the department for almost ten years as an Agent with the Bureau of Preparedness. Before moving to the Office of Homeland Security, Stout worked for the Carter County Sheriff’s Department and as Director of Security for Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin, TN. Stout began his law enforcement career as a police officer in 1973 with the East Tennessee State University Campus Police Department. He quickly moved to the Johnson City Police Department in 1975. While working for Johnson City, Stout specialized in special weapons, tactics and criminal investigations.

Agent Stout joined Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) in 1979. During his 27 years at NFS, he held positions in all aspects of nuclear security management. His exceptional work with the company was apparent when he was appointed the Director of Security in 1993. Stout retired from the company in 2006.

Agent Stout will be in charge of statewide operations. His duties will include support for first responders, communications enhancements, improved terrorism liaison officer contact capabilities, and increased suspicious activity reporting to the Fusion Center. Other duties include overseeing event security, supporting our transportation sector at statewide checkpoints, and providing training for the public and private sector.

Agent Stout has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice and criminology from East Tennessee State University. He has served the university as an adjunct instructor.

“Both of these leaders will do an outstanding job in their new roles,” Commissioner David W. Purkey said. “I am proud to work with these gentlemen as we continue to increase public safety efforts throughout our great state.”

Agent Collins and Agent Stout being their new roles effective immediately.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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