The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security celebrated the graduation of Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Class 99 during a ceremony at the Tennessee State Museum on August 13.

Department Commissioner Jeff Long and THP Colonel Matt Perry presided over the event for the agency’s latest 11-week lateral trooper class. Commissioner Long delivered the keynote address and administered the oath of office to the incoming graduates.

Class 99 consists of eight seasoned professionals who bring a combined 54 years of prior law enforcement experience back to the agency. The cohort also includes three graduates with bachelor’s degrees, one with a master’s degree, and eight years of combined military service.

Highlighting the importance of lateral recruitment, Colonel Perry noted that welcoming experienced officers helps offset the institutional knowledge lost when veteran troopers retire. He challenged the new graduates to “Serve with humility. Protect with integrity.”