Department of Safety Remembers Fallen Officers

2006 Memorial Ceremony Program

May 18, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn., --- In observance of National Police Week, the Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a special service to pay tribute to State Troopers and other Department of Safety Officers killed in the line of duty. The annual memorial was held at Department of Safety headquarters, 1150 Foster Avenue , and included family members of fallen Troopers.

Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely delivered the event's keynote address. Nicely said, "Troopers go into potentially dangerous situations, put the safety of the community before their own and serve with dedication, compassion and purpose. They witness the best and the worst of society. They must be ready to deal with violence, inclement weather, long hours and other challenges. But they all share a common resolve to serve, and they have the strength.the courage.and the commitment to continue their work each day."

THP Colonel Mike Walker also addressed the crowd. He said, "This is a time to remember, to honor and to celebrate the lives of the Tennessee State Troopers killed in the line of duty. It also serves as a time for us to sadly add the name of the Trooper Todd Larkins, who we lost last summer, to the lasting memorial that stands at Headquarters. He and the other Troopers we remember here today gave the greatest gift, their own lives, in service to their state."

Since the founding of the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1929, 37 officers have died in the line of duty. The first was Sergeant Charles Hash, who died April 11, 1930, after being injured while on motorcycle patrol in Shelby County. The Patrol's most recent loss was Trooper Todd Larkins, who was killed July 8th, 2005, while making a routine traffic stop on I-40 in Dickson County."

The memorial service included a rifle salute by the THP's Special Operations unit, bagpipes and the playing of Taps. The Special Operations Aviation Unit executed the "missing man formation" during a fly over at the service. The service coincided with National Police Week, observed May 14th - 20th, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was May 14th.

The Tennessee Department of Safety ( www.tennessee.gov/safety ) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department's general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses and title and registration activities. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.