Tennessee Highway Patrol Graduates Eight State Troopers

On August 13, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers. The department conducted an 11-week lateral trooper class, and the graduation took place at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville.

Class 99 included three troopers with bachelor’s degrees, one trooper with a master’s degree and eight years of combined military service. Additionally, the lateral class brings a combined 54 years of prior law enforcement experience to the THP.

Commissioner Long served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony and administered the oath of office for the new troopers.

“The eight new troopers in Tennessee Highway Patrol Class 99 bring more than 54 years of combined law enforcement experience to Tennessee’s roadways,” said Commissioner Long. “These experienced professionals have now earned the honor of being called Tennessee State Troopers. I commend each of them for their dedication and their willingness to protect our great state.”

Addressing Tennessee Highway Patrol Lateral Class 99, Colonel Perry emphasized the value of the experience these new troopers bring to the agency, stating, "When experienced troopers retire, we lose more than the person wearing the uniform. We lose years of knowledge and experience. One of the things I appreciate about our lateral classes is that you’re bringing some of that experience back through the door on your first day." He welcomed the new troopers to the Patrol and reminded them to "Serve with humility. Protect with integrity."