THP Promotes Tony Barham to Captain of Special Programs
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | 05:30am
[img:2 align=float_left title=bottom]NASHVILLE --- Tony Barham, Special Programs Lieutenant in the Nashville District, has been promoted to Captain of the newly combined Special Programs Unit. Special Programs now consists of all Commercial Vehicle administrative functions (New Entrant, Pupil and Daycare Transportation Safety), Litter, Safety Education, D.A.R.E. and the Motorcycle Rider Education Program.
A native of Henderson Tenn., Barham has served as Lieutenant in the Nashville District Special Programs Unit since 2008. Barham began his career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1988 as a Road Trooper and was assigned to the Lawrenceburg District working Giles County. Barham continued his career as a Trooper in Hardin and McNairy Counties until 2003 when he was promoted to Sergeant serving Chester and McNairy Counties in the Jackson District. In 2008, Barham was promoted to Lieutenant over the Special Programs Unit in the Nashville District.
Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell said, “Tony Barham has demonstrated extensive knowledge of the Special Programs Unit as a Lieutenant, I’m confident his experience in the field of Special Programs will benefit the Tennessee Highway Patrol across the state.”
Captain Barham will be responsible for THP administrative employees assigned to the Special Programs Unit in eight districts across Tennessee. Special Programs provides educational and training programs to the public on matters relating to enforcement operations of the department. Trained Special Programs personnel administer, deliver and evaluate programs addressing motor vehicle laws, both commercial and private, motorcycle safety, drug laws, drinking and driving, speeding and other various state laws regarding public safety.
“Captain Barham will be a tremendous asset to the Special Programs Unit and was selected due to his varied background and experience within the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker.
Captain Barham is a 1986 graduate of Freed Hardeman University and a 2003 graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Captain Barham resides in Murfreesboro with his a son, Will age 13.
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.