Nashville, Tennessee --- A native of West Tennessee has been promoted to the rank of Captain for the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Dereck Stewart , an 18-year law enforcement veteran, will assume the duties of director of the Internal Affairs Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety. In this position, Stewart will oversee the investigations of all internal and external complaints against Department of Safety employees.

Stewart joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1987 as a Trooper assigned to Montgomery County . He worked there for seven years before becoming an instructor at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Nashville . He later transferred to the Department of Safety Training Center in Nashville , and until this appointment, has been teaching law enforcement education classes at both schools. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1996, and was named a Lieutenant in 2002.

Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips said, "Captain Stewart has extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Department, as well as in the laws that govern law enforcement in Tennessee . He has always done an outstanding job for the department, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in his new role."

Stewart grew up in McKenzie and is a graduate of McKenzie High School . He attended Roane State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is married and has two children.

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.