Captain Billy Pierce

Captain Billy Pierce began his career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) in 1997 as a graduate of Cadet Class #897. Upon earning the title of Trooper in August 1997, he was assigned to the Nashville District, Troop D, in Cheatham County. In June 1998, he transferred to the Cookeville District, Troop E, serving in Trousdale County, and later in Clay County beginning in 2002.

In 2010, Captain Pierce was promoted to Special Agent in the THP Criminal Investigation Division. He advanced to the rank of Sergeant in 2012 and returned to road duties in Overton County (Cookeville District, Troop B). In 2014, he transferred to Troop E as the Clay-Jackson Sergeant and was promoted to Lieutenant in January 2017. He continued to serve in Troop E until his promotion to District Captain in October 2024.

Throughout his career, Captain Pierce has held several specialized roles. He served as the Squad Leader and later Commander of Strike Team 6. He is a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), an ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) instructor (Level 1, AAIR, CRASE), and an ALICE instructor. He also serves as a Crisis Negotiator (FBI) and is actively involved in THP’s Peer Support program.

Captain Pierce has graduated from numerous advanced training programs, including the Tenneessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Academy (BCIS), Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, University of Tennessee’s Southeastern Leadership Academy, and the University of Tennessee Naifeh Center’s Tennessee Government Executive Institute.

Among his many recognitions, Captain Pierce was named Trooper of the Year in 2000 for a significant drug interdiction case in Smith County.

He is also deeply involved in community service. He volunteers at numerous fundraising events, including the State Trooper FOP Lodge #44 “Cruisin’ for Cothron” Car Show and Canton Lodge #481 Car Shows. Additionally, he and his bluegrass band regularly perform at benefit events supporting local volunteer fire departments.

Before joining THP, Captain Pierce began his law enforcement career with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (Class #865). He also served as a MP in the Tennessee State Guard, with his final assignment at State Headquarters – Houston Barracks, HHC-911th MP Battalion.

Captain Pierce holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethel University and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Volunteer State Community College