Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol has been honored with two prestigious national awards. THP, under the direction of Colonel Lynn Pitts, was awarded two First Place State Police/Highway Patrol Awards in the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) National Law Enforcement Challenge. The awards recognize THP as one of the best in the nation for both its Traffic Safety Enforcement Program and its Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Program.

"I am honored that the work of our troopers is being recognized at the national level," said Colonel Pitts. "It's the daily efforts of these hard-working people that brought these awards to us. Their professionalism and commitment to duty are unsurpassed. These awards are dedicated to the men and women of the THP."

The Law Enforcement Challenge is a competition designed to recognize and reward the best overall traffic safety programs across the country as judged by the IACP. Similar sizes and types of agencies were judged on efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding. The winning safety programs combined officer training, public information and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within their jurisdictions.

"The National Law Enforcement Challenge encourages law enforcement agencies to set comprehensive goals, strive to reach new heights and share their experiences," said Commissioner Fred Phillips. " Tennessee troopers work hard to save lives and reduce the frequency and severity of injuries on our nation's highways."

Before the national awards, the THP was also honored at the state level, as the Governor's Highway Safety Office hosted Tennessee 's Law Enforcement Challenge. Awards in Traffic Safety Enforcement were presented to THP Memphis District, First Place ; Knoxville District, Second Place ; and Chattanooga District, Third Place.

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.