On June 18, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department instructed a regular 17-week trooper cadet class that exceeded the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission requirements. The graduation ceremony took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Pike in Nashville.
The 33 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 625 have 86 years of combined prior military service. The class has two cadets with associate’s degrees, nine cadets with bachelor’s degrees, and one cadet with a master’s degree. Cadet Class 625 additionally supported the Tennessee Special Olympics by running in the Special Olympics Torch Run in Nashville, TN.
Commissioner Jeff Long served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.
“Today we celebrated the hard work and perseverance these cadets demonstrated as they prepared to join one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country,” said Commissioner Long. “I commend these new troopers for stepping up to protect and serve the people of our great state. Congratulations to each one of them, and their families who’ve supported them, on this tremendous accomplishment.”
“Becoming a Tennessee State Trooper is making promise to the people of Tennessee that no matter the hour, no matter the weather, someone will be there to help,” said Colonel Perry. He reminded them of the challenges of the job, the split-second decisions that would have to be made, and the risk to their personal safety. He continued, telling the newest members of the Highway Patrol, “Today you join a legacy of service that has stood strong since 1929, and you are now part of a tradition defined by honor, respect, and innovation.”
Trooper Dustin Garrett was named the top cadet for Trooper Cadet Class 625 and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic, and academics. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.