THP Honored with Marshall S Stuart Memorial Award

Award Recognizes THP’s Assistance During April Tornadoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn., — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is honored to have received the Marshall S. Stuart Memorial Award for Intergovernmental Cooperation for its assistance following the tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee on April 7, 2006. The Greater Nashville Regional Council presented the THP with the award during a ceremony Tuesday night, September 26, in Clarksville.

The Marshall S. Stuart Memorial Award recognizes excellence in intergovernmental communication. It is presented each year to area local governments for regional accomplishments through intergovernmental cooperation. Honored along with the THP were the Cities of Lebanon, Portland, White House, Springfield, Franklin, Westmoreland, Millersville, Lewisburg, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Goodlettsville and Lawrenceburg and the counties of Metro Nashville/Davidson, Sumner and Wilson.

“It is a great honor for the Highway Patrol to be recognized for its cooperation and work with other cities and counties during the devastating April tornadoes,” said Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now, more than ever, it is important for local, state and federal agencies to work together during times of crisis.”

During the aftermath of the tornadoes, the THP assisted with traffic crashes, looting prevention and helped weigh trucks bringing debris to collection sites.

Colonel Mike Walker added, “Working together with local agencies, the THP helped ensure the public was safe and the clean up in Gallatin and the surrounding areas was speedy. This award is a great honor to the many hard working Troopers who spent day after day aiding those affected by the April 7 tornadoes.”

The Tennessee Department of Safety ( www.tennessee.gov/safety ) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department’s general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.