THP Announces the District of the Year

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott named the agency’s Knoxville District as the 2011 District of the Year at a special awards ceremony held last Thursday in Murfreesboro. This is the first time a District has been recognized for its overall achievements.

 

“The THP Knoxville District is very deserving of this honor,” Colonel Trott said. “Their leadership staff is top-notch, and their approach to DUI enforcement and overall traffic safety efforts is among the best in our agency. This marks the start of a new tradition, and I hope that each of our eight districts will challenge themselves to earn the District of the Year award in 2012,” he added.  

 

The agency’s Knoxville District arrested 761 impaired drivers in 2011, a 51.6 percent increase over the number (502) arrested in 2010.  They also saw a 22.4 percent decrease in traffic fatalities.

 

THP Knoxville District Captain Cheryl Sanders received a plaque and a Highway Patrol “District of the Year” flag, which will be presented to next year’s recipient.

 

“It was an honor to be recognized for our district’s efforts in 2011,” Captain Sanders said. “This award belongs to every one of our troopers, dispatchers and administrative personnel who made this achievement possible. Their hard work, dedication, and consistent effort represent the highest standards of the Highway Patrol.”    

 

The 2011 Trooper and Dispatcher of the Year were also honored at last week’s ceremony, as well as the seven other district honorees. Trooper John Carr, assigned to Loudon County, and Dispatcher Jeffrey Robbins represented the Knoxville District winners in their respective categories.

 

Additionally, a pair of Knoxville District Troopers were recognized for placing in the THP’s top-10 DUI enforcers. Trooper Eric Miller placed fifth with 54 arrests, while Trooper John Carr took seventh with 52 arrests.