NASHVILLE,
Tenn. – There are 44 more state troopers keeping Tennessee roads safe after a
graduation ceremony for the latest cadet class.
The
Tennessee Highway Patrol's Cadet Class 512 was in top form Friday. After 18
weeks, nearly 900 hours of training, and a grueling physical training regiment,
they're now prepared to wear the badge.
The
graduation was held at the Tulip Grove Baptist Church in Old Hickory.
Governor
Bill Haslam attended the ceremony and expressed his gratitude and thanks for
the new troopers' service.
"The Tennessee Highway
Patrol Troopers' Creed says ‘Many are called, but few are chosen'," Gov. Haslam
said. "Thousands applied after the announcement was made of a new trooper cadet
class. The 44 cadets who are here with us this morning are those chosen few.
You have firmly applied yourselves through 18 weeks of training and are now
part of the elite group of law enforcement officers known as the Tennessee
Highway Patrol. Congratulations."
It was a
big day for both the cadets and their families.
"That's my
son and I am truly proud of him, after I got the little tears out of my eyes,"
said proud father William Quinn, Sr. "He's an excellent young man and he's got
a good future and he's planning to do some other great things, too."
Quinn
actually had two sons graduate – Trooper William Quinn, Jr., who has been
assigned to the Nashville District in Rutherford County, and Trooper Ryan Quinn,
who was assigned to the Memphis District in Shelby County.
Trooper
Ryan Quinn was also named the top cadet of the class. He was presented the
Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence.
Officials
said the graduating class included 19 people with previous law enforcement
experience and 16 former military members. Two the new troopers are female.
"I am proud of these men
and women and the commitment they have already made during their training to
serve in the community," Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. "Tennessee State Troopers act as more than just
law enforcement officers on our highways. They are servants of the people. I am
honored to call the 44 before us today, the newest members of Tennessee's
finest."
Visit Trooper Class 512 online for a complete list of new THP troopers and their assigned districts.
