News Summary
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security celebrated the graduation of 33 new state troopers at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church. The event recognized their completion of rigorous training, with special accolades for Trooper Dustin Garrett, who received the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award. With a combined 86 years of military experience, these troopers are prepared to serve and engage with their communities, exemplifying the values of integrity and respect upheld by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Nashville
On June 18, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), celebrated the graduation of 33 new state troopers during a ceremony at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Pike in Nashville. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the new troopers who have completed their training and are now prepared to serve communities across Tennessee.
The graduation event for Trooper Cadet Class 625 featured Commissioner Jeff Long and THP Colonel Matt Perry, who welcomed the new troopers to the ranks of law enforcement. They acknowledged the hard work and dedication exhibited by the cadet class as they engaged in a rigorous 17-week training program that exceeds the requirements set forth by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission.
Training and Education
The graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 625 bring with them a wealth of experience, boasting a collective total of 86 years of prior military service. Their diverse educational backgrounds include two cadets with associate degrees, nine with bachelor’s degrees, and one individual who has completed a master’s degree. This blend of military experience and educational qualifications enhances their preparedness for the challenges of law enforcement.
Community Engagement
Prior to graduation, the cadet class actively participated in community outreach initiatives, including involvement in the Tennessee Special Olympics Torch Run held in Nashville. This engagement highlights their commitment not only to law enforcement but also to serving and uplifting the communities they will protect.
Key Speakers and Awards
During the ceremony, Commissioner Jeff Long served as the keynote speaker, administering the oaths of office to the new troopers. His speech emphasized the significance of their roles as state troopers and the responsibilities that accompany their positions. Colonel Perry also addressed the new graduates, reminding them of the challenges they will face as they embark on their law enforcement careers.
Among the graduates, Trooper Dustin Garrett was recognized as the top cadet for Trooper Cadet Class 625 and received the prestigious Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence. This award honors the legacy of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who lost his life in the line of duty in January 2007, and recognizes exceptional performance and dedication to the field of law enforcement.
Looking Ahead
The graduation ceremony signifies a new chapter for the 33 troopers, who are set to transition from cadets to active members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. As they prepare to serve across the state, these individuals are expected to uphold the values of integrity, service, and respect that the THP represents.
This latest graduation from the THP underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety and security of communities in Tennessee through dedicated law enforcement professionals. The contributions of the newly graduated state troopers will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
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Additional Resources
- WBBJ TV
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Highway Patrol
- WGNS Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- Dickson County Source
- Google Search: Tennessee Highway Patrol graduation
