Tennessee Highway Patrol Provides Security for Presidential Inauguration
NASHVILLE --- Forty members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol returned to the state on Wednesday after assisting the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) during the 57th Inauguration of the President of the United States. As part of a joint operation, the THP helped provide security during the inauguration events with 90 local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as federal authorities and military personnel.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol contingent traveled to the nation’s capital in patrol units and arrived on Saturday night. On Sunday, State Troopers were briefed and sworn-in as deputies of the U.S. Marshal Service in order to have law enforcement authority in D.C. They were then assigned to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where they provided perimeter security for one of several Inaugural Balls the following day. The assignment concluded at approximately 2 a.m. on Tuesday.
During Monday’s 16-hour assignment, there was one incident that resulted in an arrest by a Tennessee State Trooper. Sergeant Brandon Douglas, assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Administrative Division, apprehended a suspect for allegedly attempting to steal a lady’s purse.
“We were honored to participate and represent Tennessee in an event of such national importance,” Colonel Tracy Trott said. “It was an enormous responsibility. However, the 40 troopers who were selected for this opportunity deserved it, and proved they were up to the task.”
The THP also assisted with security efforts for the 56th Presidential Inauguration in January 2009.
All expenses for the inaugural detail, including the troopers' salaries, travel, meals, and lodging, will be reimbursed to the department by Metropolitan Police.
A complete list of the Tennessee State Troopers assigned to the Presidential Inauguration detail accompanies this release.
Service photos are available upon request.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
Tennessee State Troopers Assigned to 57th Presidential Inauguration Security Detail
Major Danny Talley, Administration
Captain Lee Chaffin, Administration
Sergeant Jeremy Austin, Administration
Sergeant Brandon Douglas, Administration
Trooper Allen England, Administration
Trooper Wesley Stafford, Administration
Trooper William Gregory, III, Administration
Lieutenant Michael Melhorn, Knoxville District
Sergeant Carey Hixson, Knoxville District
Trooper Michael Turley, Knoxville District
Trooper Philip Warren, Knoxville District
Trooper Cecil Harvey, Chattanooga District
Trooper Charles McVey, Chattanooga District
Trooper Kristopher Roberts, Chattanooga District
Trooper Travis Ryans, Chattanooga District
Lieutenant Robert Nicholson, Nashville District
Trooper Chad Bilbrey, Nashville District
Trooper Curley Jackson, Nashville District
Trooper William Matsunaga, Nashville District
Trooper Vincent Turocy, Nashville District
Trooper Robert Clemmons, Memphis District
Trooper Guinn Hall, Memphis District
Trooper Brian Pulley, Memphis District
Trooper Joe Terry, Memphis District
Trooper Jason Andes, Fall Branch District
Trooper Bobby Bullington, Fall Branch District
Trooper Jeffrey Coffey, Fall Branch District
Trooper Nathan Hall, Fall Branch District
Trooper Willie Allison, Cookeville District
Trooper Kendall Grasty, Cookeville District
Trooper Eric McCormick, Cookeville District
Trooper Jeremy Newcome, Cookeville District
Sergeant Carl Nutt, Lawrenceburg District
Trooper Charles Dixon, Lawrenceburg District
Trooper Joshua Potts, Lawrenceburg District
Trooper Adam Smith, Lawrenceburg District
Trooper Phillip Clark, Jackson District
Trooper Kennie Lamberth, Jackson District
Trooper Jason Mounts, Jackson District
Trooper Ollie Parker, Jackson District