Nashville, Tennessee --- Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips announced the appointment of Larry W. Rucker as Lieutenant Colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). As the second highest-ranking member of THP, Rucker will work closely with Colonel Lynn Pitts guiding the overall operations of the agency.

Rucker began his career with the THP in 1973 as a Trooper. He moved through the ranks of the Highway Patrol serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and, most recently, captain of the Internal Affairs division. Throughout his 30-year career, he has served Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe and Unicoi counties. Additionally, Rucker spent 20 years as a bomb technician with THP's Bomb Squad.

"Larry Rucker has a long history of service with the Tennessee Highway Patrol," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "His knowledge of the challenges faced each day in the field as well as the administrative support necessary to guide the agency will help steer the Highway Patrol in a positive direction."

In addition to his law enforcement service, Lt. Colonel Rucker is a retired member of the Tennessee Army National Guard where he served with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment for 21 years.

Lt. Colonel Rucker is a native of Morristown, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Cleveland State Community College. He has one daughter and three grandchildren.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.