Tennessee Highway Patrol Promotes Michael Hamilton to Major

NASHVILLE – Commissioner David W. Purkey of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security along with Colonel Tracy Trott of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) announced the promotion of Michael Hamilton to Major.  Major Hamilton will serve as the Executive Officer in the Colonel’s Office. 

“This was an easy promotion to make,” said Colonel Tracy Trott.  “Mike has a good variety of experience within the department which will serve him well in my office,” added Colonel Tracy Trott.

“Major Hamilton is a very effective leader,” said Commissioner David W. Purkey.  “Mike is a natural leader and has demonstrated that consistently over the years.”

Major Hamilton is a 20-year veteran of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  He was the top cadet of THP Class 897 in 1997.  Upon graduating the academy, he was assigned to patrol Putnam County. Since that initial assignment Major Hamilton has worked in the THP Special Operations Unit, The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)/Staff Inspections Unit, and Inspectional Services Bureau.  Prior to joining the THP, Major Hamilton started his law enforcement career with the Overton County Sheriff’s Department in 1994.  He also spent one year with the Cookeville Police Department.

Major Hamilton earned an Associate’s Degree from Vol State Community College and is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech University in the fall semester.  He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the State of Tennessee’s TGMI Leadership program.  Major Hamilton was a charter member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard and served in that capacity for more than nine years. 

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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