The ranks of the Tennessee Highway Patrol saw an infusion of new blood as 42 cadets from Trooper Cadet Class 225 stepped up to the challenge of serving and protecting the Volunteer State, graduating in a ceremony held at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security10, these men and women underwent a rigorous 18-week training program that not only met but surpassed the standards set by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
The fresh graduates bring diverse experiences to the force, with military veterans accounting for 17 of the cadets, another 6 boasting associate's degrees, while 17 hold bachelor's degrees and 2 have earned master's degrees, but the class also made an impact in the community before even hitting the streets by organizing a blood drive in coordination with the American Red Cross, as detailed in the official press release.
The ceremony's keynote address was delivered by Governor Bill Lee, who took the stage to honor the dedication and resilience of these new officers, and Commissioner Jeff Long officiated the swearing-in, with "I commend these new troopers for stepping up to protect and serve the people of our great state," were his words of praise from the department's release.
Colonel Matt Perry, reflecting on the solemnity and weight of the badge, addressed the cadets by saying, "Becoming a Tennessee State Trooper is making promise to the people of Tennessee that no matter the hour, no matter the weather, someone will be there to help," as stated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Standout cadet, Tabias Sirmones, emerged as the top performer of his class, receiving the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership and academic excellence a commendation in remembrance of the late Trooper Jenks, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2007, as reported by the department's news release.
