Highway Dedicated To Fallen Trooper
Nashville, Tennessee– Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) Commissioner David Mitchell and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Mike Walker, along with other THP officers, joined Representative Tom DuBois Saturday to dedicate a section of State Route 50 in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks. The ceremony was held today, August 18, 2007, in the parking lot of Galaxy Lanes, located at 730 Mooresville Pike, Columbia, Tennessee at 9 a.m. Trooper Jenks’ family was on hand to receive his award for being named Trooper of the Year for the Memphis district.
Trooper Jenks was shot and killed in the line of duty January 6, 2007, in Tipton County. “The death of this young man, this dedicated law enforcement professional, was so senseless,” stated Commissioner Mitchell. “Today, we gather to honor this brave Trooper, and I do not believe the passing of time will ever alleviate the profound sense of loss we all feel.”
Colonel Mike Walker told the gathering, “Trooper Calvin Jenks paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to ensure the roads and highways remain safe. His dedication will serve as a constant reminder to all citizens.”
The General Assembly passed a bill naming the portion of State Route 50 from east of Columbia, TN, to the Maury-Marshall County line in Trooper Jenks’ honor. Trooper Jenks moved to the Culleoka Community in Maury County in 1989 and was part of the graduating class of 2000 at Culleoka High School.
“Trooper Calvin Jenks was a selfless person and an outstanding public servant,” said Rep. DuBois. “The community still grieves its loss. This dedication is something that Trooper Jenks definitely deserved.”
Trooper Jenks was a proud member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol for nearly three years. His duties began in the 7th District headquartered in Lawrenceburg. He transferred to the 4th District in Memphis in July, 2006. Trooper Jenks was recently named Trooper of the Year for the 4th district, an award that was presented to his family at today’s dedication ceremony.
Two TDOT signs memorializing Trooper Jenks have been installed along State Route 50. One stands just east of the corporate limits of Columbia, TN, and the other is at the Maury County-Marshall County line. Additional photos from the dedication of the Trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks Memorial Highway can be found here.