On December 16, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State troopers.

NASHVILLE--- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's (TDOSHS) Driver Services division is asking Tennesseans to show their volunteer spirit this holiday season. Driver Services is partnering with Donate Life Tennessee, Tennessee Donor Services, and Mid-South Transplant Foundation in the “Keeping Tummies and Hearts Full of Love Winter Food Drive.”

NASHVILLE--- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension of the federal implementation date of REAL ID by an additional two years, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act.

NASHVILLE--- More than 43,000 teenagers between the ages of 15-17 years old have taken the written driver’s license knowledge test online since the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) offered it as an option six months ago on May 16, 2022! The test may be administered in the comfort of your own home 24/7 which offers convenient hours that don’t interfere with work or school.

SEVIERVILLE- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) will temporarily close the Sevierville Driver Services Center for a planned remodel. Beginning November 17, the Sevierville Driver Services Center will be closed until December 5 when it reopens.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol is seeking information that may aid in apprehending a fleeing suspect in Robertson County on November 06, 2022. Preliminary information indicates that Sedric Stevenson, age 26, is a black male with long hair from Tennessee. Mr. Stevenson was detained and fled on foot as the trooper attempted to place him in his patrol vehicle on Interstate 65 in Robertson County. When last seen, Mr. Stevenson ran across the interstate and into the woods. The trooper gave foot chase and was unable to apprehend him. Mr. Stevenson wore a white shirt, dark pants, and black shoes. Mr. Stevenson’s hands were handcuffed behind his back.

TENNESSEE – Beginning May 3, 2023, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants, military bases, and board commercial flights within the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019 and has issued 2.4 million REAL ID credentials to date.

KNOXVILLE– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking information that may aid in investigating a hit-and-run crash in Monroe County. Preliminary information indicates that a dark or maroon flatbed truck was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, October 29th, in Monroe County around 12:39 p.m. The vehicle was pulling a 12ft wood plank trailer that remained at the crash scene. The vehicle continued northbound on Mecca Pike/HWY 39 in Tellico Plains.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking information that may aid in the investigation of a hit-and-run crash in Williamson County. Preliminary information indicates that a red Mercedes SUV, possibly a 2016 to 2020 GLA model, was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, October 15, in Williamson County around 10:51 p.m. The vehicle has damage to the front-end area and missing the front Mercedes emblem. The vehicle was headed South on Old Hillsboro Road, which turns into Leipers Creek Road after the intersection in Leipers Fork.

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry have announced the promotion of Jimmie Johnson III to Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson has demonstrated his passion and devotion to the Tennessee Highway Patrol throughout his 25-year career.

NASHVILLE – Today, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security hosted the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” and First Responder Recognition Ceremony. The Three Stars of Tennessee Award honors public servants who have sacrificed their lives or suffered a career-ending injury in the line of duty. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee State Senator Becky Massey (Knoxville), and Tennessee Office of Homeland Security Director Greg Mays joined recipients, family members, and agency representatives to honor 14 recipients with the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award.”

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will permanently close the West Knox Driver Services Center, located at 430 Montbrook Lane in Knoxville, at 5:00 p.m. September 14. A new Driver Services Center located at 209 Gore Road SW in Knoxville will open on September 19. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

NASHVILLE --- On September 1, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the newest members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). THP cadet class 922 is composed of prior certified law enforcement officers. Of the nine graduates, five were prior out-of-state troopers/state police (Alaska, California, two from Louisiana, and Washington). The other graduates were former THP troopers who rejoined the Tennessee Highway Patrol. THP cadet class 922 completed five weeks of specialized training, which builds upon their training and experience received as prior law enforcement officers. The new troopers will continue training with troopers who are classified as field training officers.

NASHVILLE- On August 23, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department suffered a heartbreaking loss. Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Sergeant Lee Russell of the THP Aviation Division and Marion County Sheriff’s Department Detective Matt Blansett were conducting an aerial mission in the Chattanooga area when the helicopter they were operating crashed in a wooded area of Marion County. We are saddened to report that both men lost their lives while serving the people of Tennessee on this mission.