Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has selected 77 men and women from 54 counties across the state as members of the its next Trooper Cadet Class. The new recruits will report to the Tennessee Department of Safety Training Center in Nashville on Jan. 4 to begin an intensive 16-week training session.

"We're eager for the new Trooper school to start," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "I believe we've assembled a highly capable class of recruits that will strengthen the Tennessee Highway Patrol's ability to safeguard the public."

The highly sought after Trooper positions garnered applications from thousands of men and women statewide. The selection process included civil service examinations and extensive interview screenings, for which the department met with 668 individuals. Final applicants were required to pass a physical agility test, background investigation as well as psychological and medical examinations.

The training class consists of a highly specialized curriculum that deals with all areas of law enforcement for which the Tennessee Highway Patrol is responsible. Courses, both field and classroom sessions, are taught by skilled THP personnel who evaluate each cadet's performance with written and physical examinations. The cadet school will culminate with graduation ceremonies in April 2004.

"Proper training is essential to the development of a qualified law enforcement officer," said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "We are committed to equipping each recruit with the skills and knowledge necessary to uphold the laws and protect the citizens of our state."

Tennessee Highway Patrol
2004 Trooper Cadet Class