Amid an intense recruiting effort spearheaded by Gov. Bill Lee (R), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) announced Thursday that nearly 40 cadets graduated from training and will join THP.
The 38 graduates participated in either the regular 17-week trooper cadet class or an 11-week lateral trooper cadet class.
“The 13 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 1223 included eight cadets with prior military service, five cadets with bachelor’s degrees, and one cadet with a master’s degree. Cadet Class 1223 additionally hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross and Blood Assurance,” according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “Lateral Trooper Cadet Class 1123 graduated 25 cadets composed of all prior Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified law enforcement officers from across Tennessee.”
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long addressed the newest THP officers during their graduation ceremony.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol is not only one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state, but in the entire country,” he said. “As such we recruit the best of the best. During the past few months of rigorous physical and academic training through your hard work and perseverance, you’ve earned the right to be a Tennessee State Trooper. Congratulations and thank you for serving the people of our great state.”
THP Colonel Matthew Perry said that “joining any law enforcement agency makes you a part of something far bigger than yourself.”
“Today, you represent the Tennessee Highway Patrol while in uniform and out. You will be held to a higher standard – not only by the public but also by your peers and your leaders,” he said. You are not just part of a larger agency; you are a unique force capable of influencing positive change. During this holiday season, it is especially important to remind ourselves that service is at the heart of everything we do as Tennessee State Troopers.”
Lee’s office has offered aggressive recruitment incentives for new THP cadets for the past two years, as trooper numbers have significantly dwindled.
Those incentives include:
- Full benefits package
- A self-issued vehicle rather than a shared vehicle program
- Complimentary uniforms and equipment provided
- All training academy fees paid for by the department
“Law enforcement officers from across the country recognize that there’s no better place to work, live and raise a family than Tennessee,” Lee said in an August statement, as reported by The Tennessee Star. “Over the past two years, we’ve recruited a record number of troopers to Tennessee’s ranks, and we continue to welcome men and women nationwide to join the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”
In 2021, the state offered to help pay for relocation for new cadets considering moving to Tennessee to become troopers.
“There are many highly skilled law enforcement personnel who want to work in a state that doesn’t get in the middle of personal health decisions yet also provides for a wonderful quality of life,” Lee said in a 2021 recruiting effort. “As we’ve ramped up efforts to get more state troopers on the road, we want these men and women to consider Tennessee and we will assist with their relocation expenses.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.
Sounds like some really sweetheart deals for those desiring to go into law enforcement. I am not complaining just pointing out a fact.