Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (TDOS) Office of Homeland Security (OHS) will honor the commitment and sacrifice of 25 Tennessee law enforcement officers and first responders, as well as members of three organizations, at a unique recognition ceremony on the seventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

WHO:           Dave Mitchell, Commissioner, Department of Safety
                    Rick Shipkowski, Deputy Director, Tennessee Office of Homeland Security
                    Mike Walker, Colonel, Tennessee Highway Patrol
                    Brigadier General Max Haston, Department of Military

WHAT:        Tennessee First Responder Awards Ceremony

WHEN:        Thursday, September 11, 2008
                   10:00 a.m. CT

WHERE:      Old Supreme Court Chambers
                   State Capitol
                   Nashville, Tennessee

Law enforcement officers and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities on a daily basis. Whether by responding directly to an emergency, creating policy and procedures or training staff and volunteers, Tennessee’s state and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency management officials work daily to ensure the safety and security of the state.

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.