Tennessee Highway Patrol Promotes Chris Ray to Captain

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 Chris Ray to Captain over the Inspectional Services Bureau. 

“Chris is a natural fit for this position,” said Colonel Tracy Trott.  “Chris has experience in this division from years past, which gives me confidence he will continue the great work they do on a daily basis.”

“Chris is a hard worker,” said Commissioner David W. Purkey.  “I am happy for him and look forward to his leadership he will provide our department.”

Captain Chris Ray is a native of Wayne County, Tennessee.  He began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Waynesboro Police Department, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. In 1997, he joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol and was assigned to Maury County in the THP Lawrenceburg District.  Captain Ray has worked in a number of the department’s divisions. He has worked as a member the State Capitol Security Detail, and was promoted Administrative Sergeant of the Lawrenceburg District in 2006, where he served in that capacity for two years. He served two years as a Troop Sergeant in Hickman County, before transferring to the Inspectional Services Bureau in 2010. In 2013, he transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. He served in that capacity until being promoted to Captain over the Department’s Inspectional Services Bureau in July 2017.

Captain Ray is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and the Tennessee Army National Guard. He has a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethel University and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. 

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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