Davidson, NC – Safety Delton Teeter was named College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Defensive Back Performer of the Week.

In addition, tackle Antonio Faulkner was named honorable mention Defensive Line Performer of the Week by the same organization

The purpose of the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferments in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams.

Teeter, a junior reserve strong safety from Clarksville, missed much of 2009 with a wrist injury. He made up for lost time with a spectacular third-quarter interception against Cumberland and raced 66 yards for a score. He also was credited with one tackle and one pass break up.

Faulkner, a senior defensive tackle, was credited with eight tackles against Cumberland, including 3.5 (12 yards) for loss. He had a quarterback sack and forced fumble during the night.

The 1-0 Governors now will face Middle Tennessee, 6:00pm, Saturday in Murfreesboro.

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Antonio Faulkner, APSU, APSU Men’s Football, Austin Peay State University, College Football Performance Award, Cumberland, Defensive Back Performer of the Week, Delton Teeter, Middle Tennessee

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Katin Homers, Koshansky Extends Hit Streak To 18 For Nashville In Losing Effort

Metairie, LA – The Nashville Sounds wrapped up their 2010 slate on the short end of a 10-2 loss to the New Orleans Zephyrs in a Labor Day finale on Monday afternoon at Zephyr Field.

With the defeat, Nashville (77-67) split the four-game series with New Orleans but finished the year with an 11-5 victory in the season series against the Z’s.

Brendan Katin (2-for-3) drove in both Sounds runs on the afternoon and finished the year with 76 RBIs, second-most on the club.

First baseman Joe Koshansky went 1-for-4 on the day for Nashville to close out the year with an 18-game hitting streak, tied for the 6th-longest streak by a Pacific Coast League player all season and the best effort by a Sounds batter since Vinny Rottino hit in 24 straight in 2008.

Katin got the scoring started as he continued his late-season surge at the plate with a two-out solo homer to left in the top of the first inning to give the Sounds a 1-0 lead.

The blast, which came against Zephyrs starter James Houser, was the slugger’s career-best 26th of the year. Katin set a new career high for roundtrippers this season despite being sidelined for seven weeks due to an early-season knee injury.

New Orleans rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the third against Sounds starter Chase Wright. Miguel Fermin led off with a single and scored the tying run on John Raynor’s one-out RBI single. Later in the frame, Brian Barden put the home team in front with a two-run double to center.

The Sounds missed a big opportunity to tie the game or better in the fourth, loading the bases with no outs and failing to score. After the first three batters of the frame singled off Houser, Eric Farris hit a fly ball to right and Katin was thrown out at the plate by Chris Aguila for a double play as he attempted to score. Houser then retired Adam Stern on an inning-ending groundout to escape the frame with no damage.

The Zephyrs put the game out of reach in the fifth, taking advantage of a suddenly-inaccurate Wright and an ineffective Chuck Löfgren to post a six-run frame in extending their lead to 9-1. New Orleans sent 10 batters to the plate in the frame.

Wright hit his mound counterpart with a pitch to open the frame, walked Raynor, and allowed a single to Richar to load the bases before issuing a free pass to Greg Burns to force home Houser.

Löfgren was summoned from the Sounds’ bullpen and inherited the no-out, bases-loaded jam. After Mike Lamb greeted the left-hander by lifting a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Raynor, Aguila ripped an RBI single to left for a 6-1 lead. Mark Saccomanno drew a walk to load the bases again before veteran infielder Gookie Dawkins unloaded the bags with one swing, launching a three-run double to center to make it a 9-1 game.

Aguila struck again for the Z’s in the seventh, swatting a one-out solo homer to left off Löfgren to extend the home team’s lead to 10-1. It was the veteran outfielder’s sixth longball of the year.

Katin wrapped up the day’s scoring when he drove in his second run of the afternoon with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly against Z’s reliever Matt Peterson. The Sounds left the bases loaded in the frame, as the right-hander escape further damage by inducing an inning-ending groundout from Johnny Raburn.

Houser (1-2) earned his first win of the year in the final game of the season for the Zephyrs after holding the Sounds to one run on five hits over his five innings of work.

Wright (8-9) closed out his season with a loss for Nashville after giving up seven runs on seven hits over four-plus innings. He walked two batters and struck out four in his 85-pitch outing.

Baseball returns to Greer Stadium in April 2011 when the Sounds begin their 34th season of competition. Season tickets are available now by calling 615-690-HITS or visiting the Greer Stadium box office.

Nashville Sounds (77-67) 2, New Orleans Zephyrs (66-77) 10

September 6th, 2010

Wright, C pitched to 4 batters in the 5th.

WP: Lofgren.

HBP: Houser, J (by Wright, C).

Pitches-strikes: Wright, C 85-52, Lofgren 43-28, Hand 8-6, Houser, J 63-45, Peterson, M 31-21, Tankersley 22-13.

Groundouts-flyouts: Wright, C 6-2, Lofgren 2-4, Hand 2-0, Houser, J 5-5, Peterson, M 2-5, Tankersley 0-2.

Batters faced: Wright, C 21, Lofgren 14, Hand 3, Houser, J 21, Peterson, M 13, Tankersley 4.

Inherited runners-scored: Lofgren 3-3.

Umpires: HP: Will Robinson. 1B: Mark Ripperger. 2B: . 3B: Nelson Graham.

Weather: 89 degrees, cloudy.

Wind: 6 mph, R to L.

T: 2:14.

Att: 3,456.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Adam Stern, Brendan Katin, Brian Barden, Chase Wright, Chris Aguila, Chuck Lofgren, Eric Farris, Gookie Dawkins, Greer Stadium, Greg Burns, James Houser, Joe Koshansky, John Raynor, Johnny Raburn, Labor day, Mark Saccomanno, Matt Peterson, Miguel Fermin, Mike Lamb, Nashville Sounds, New Orleans Zephyrs, Vinny Rottino, Zephyr Field

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Katin Homers, Koshansky Extends Hit Streak To 18 For Nashville In Losing Effort

Metairie, LA – The Nashville Sounds wrapped up their 2010 slate on the short end of a 10-2 loss to the New Orleans Zephyrs in a Labor Day finale on Monday afternoon at Zephyr Field.

With the defeat, Nashville (77-67) split the four-game series with New Orleans but finished the year with an 11-5 victory in the season series against the Z’s.

Brendan Katin (2-for-3) drove in both Sounds runs on the afternoon and finished the year with 76 RBIs, second-most on the club.

First baseman Joe Koshansky went 1-for-4 on the day for Nashville to close out the year with an 18-game hitting streak, tied for the 6th-longest streak by a Pacific Coast League player all season and the best effort by a Sounds batter since Vinny Rottino hit in 24 straight in 2008.

Katin got the scoring started as he continued his late-season surge at the plate with a two-out solo homer to left in the top of the first inning to give the Sounds a 1-0 lead.

The blast, which came against Zephyrs starter James Houser, was the slugger’s career-best 26th of the year. Katin set a new career high for roundtrippers this season despite being sidelined for seven weeks due to an early-season knee injury.

New Orleans rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the third against Sounds starter Chase Wright. Miguel Fermin led off with a single and scored the tying run on John Raynor’s one-out RBI single. Later in the frame, Brian Barden put the home team in front with a two-run double to center.

The Sounds missed a big opportunity to tie the game or better in the fourth, loading the bases with no outs and failing to score. After the first three batters of the frame singled off Houser, Eric Farris hit a fly ball to right and Katin was thrown out at the plate by Chris Aguila for a double play as he attempted to score. Houser then retired Adam Stern on an inning-ending groundout to escape the frame with no damage.

The Zephyrs put the game out of reach in the fifth, taking advantage of a suddenly-inaccurate Wright and an ineffective Chuck Löfgren to post a six-run frame in extending their lead to 9-1. New Orleans sent 10 batters to the plate in the frame.

Wright hit his mound counterpart with a pitch to open the frame, walked Raynor, and allowed a single to Richar to load the bases before issuing a free pass to Greg Burns to force home Houser.

Löfgren was summoned from the Sounds’ bullpen and inherited the no-out, bases-loaded jam. After Mike Lamb greeted the left-hander by lifting a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Raynor, Aguila ripped an RBI single to left for a 6-1 lead. Mark Saccomanno drew a walk to load the bases again before veteran infielder Gookie Dawkins unloaded the bags with one swing, launching a three-run double to center to make it a 9-1 game.

Aguila struck again for the Z’s in the seventh, swatting a one-out solo homer to left off Löfgren to extend the home team’s lead to 10-1. It was the veteran outfielder’s sixth longball of the year.

Katin wrapped up the day’s scoring when he drove in his second run of the afternoon with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly against Z’s reliever Matt Peterson. The Sounds left the bases loaded in the frame, as the right-hander escape further damage by inducing an inning-ending groundout from Johnny Raburn.

Houser (1-2) earned his first win of the year in the final game of the season for the Zephyrs after holding the Sounds to one run on five hits over his five innings of work.

Wright (8-9) closed out his season with a loss for Nashville after giving up seven runs on seven hits over four-plus innings. He walked two batters and struck out four in his 85-pitch outing.

Baseball returns to Greer Stadium in April 2011 when the Sounds begin their 34th season of competition. Season tickets are available now by calling 615-690-HITS or visiting the Greer Stadium box office.

Nashville Sounds (77-67) 2, New Orleans Zephyrs (66-77) 10

September 6th, 2010

Wright, C pitched to 4 batters in the 5th.

WP: Lofgren.

HBP: Houser, J (by Wright, C).

Pitches-strikes: Wright, C 85-52, Lofgren 43-28, Hand 8-6, Houser, J 63-45, Peterson, M 31-21, Tankersley 22-13.

Groundouts-flyouts: Wright, C 6-2, Lofgren 2-4, Hand 2-0, Houser, J 5-5, Peterson, M 2-5, Tankersley 0-2.

Batters faced: Wright, C 21, Lofgren 14, Hand 3, Houser, J 21, Peterson, M 13, Tankersley 4.

Inherited runners-scored: Lofgren 3-3.

Umpires: HP: Will Robinson. 1B: Mark Ripperger. 2B: . 3B: Nelson Graham.

Weather: 89 degrees, cloudy.

Wind: 6 mph, R to L.

T: 2:14.

Att: 3,456.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Adam Stern, Brendan Katin, Brian Barden, Chase Wright, Chris Aguila, Chuck Lofgren, Eric Farris, Gookie Dawkins, Greer Stadium, Greg Burns, James Houser, Joe Koshansky, John Raynor, Johnny Raburn, Labor day, Mark Saccomanno, Matt Peterson, Miguel Fermin, Mike Lamb, Nashville Sounds, New Orleans Zephyrs, Vinny Rottino, Zephyr Field

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Knoxville, TN – For the fifth year in a row, the Tennessee Valley Authority has been named by Site Selection magazine as one of the top 10 North American utilities for economic development achievement.

In 2009, TVA and its distributor customers, working with state and local partners, helped attract or retain more than 26,000 jobs and leverage more than $4 billion in capital investment for the seven-state TVA territory.

“Being recognized by Site Selection magazine for the fifth consecutive year is definitely a win for all of our economic development partners,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “This economic development success is the result of teamwork between distributors of TVA power, state agencies and economic, industrial and community leaders across the TVA service region.”

Cumberland Fossil Plant is located northwest of Nashville on the shores of Barkley Reservoir on the Cumberland River. It produces more power than any other plant in the TVA system. In fiscal year 2004, its two generating units turned out over 18.5 million megawatt-hours, more than any other TVA fossil or nuclear plant. That represented almost 12 percent of TVA’s total generation for the year.

The magazine specifically cites TVA’s work in attracting a $1 billion investment by Wacker Chemie AG in Bradley County in 2009.

“Wacker Chemie did a global search before selecting this site,” Bradley said. “We were competing with the world for this project. We had Volkswagen, Toyota, Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker all announce within about 18 months. That is a pretty amazing accomplishment, and we are very excited about this success.”

TVA is one of only three utilities to consecutively earn this honor during the past five years. The annual ranking is based on capital investment, job creation, capital investment per capita and jobs created per 10,000 in population. The magazine also considers innovative programs and services for industrial and prospective clients, as well as input from site selection consultants, and extensive interviews with company executives about site location.

Memphis Light, Gas & Water, a distributor of TVA power, also made the magazine’s top 10 this year.

“The top-performing utilities have several things in common,” said Ron Starner, executive vice president of Site Selection. “They are constantly raising the bar on delivering superior customer service. They are engaged now more than ever in providing companies with certified sites. They are always looking for ways to save industrial power customers money, and they are fostering and building regional coalitions for economic development.”

Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Data Inc., delivers expansion planning information to 44,000 executives of fast-growing firms.

The entire Top Utilities article and the Annual Utilities Directory appear in the September 2010 edition and online at www.siteselection.com. Learn more about TVA economic development programs and services at TVAed.com and TVAsites.com.

About the Tenessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for utility and business customers in most of Tennessee and parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia – an area of 80,000 square miles with a population of 9 million. TVA operates 29 hydroelectric dams, 11 coal-fired power plants, three nuclear plants and 11 natural gas-fired power facilities and supplies up to 33,700 megawatts of electricity, delivered over 16,000 miles of high-voltage power lines. TVA also provides flood control, navigation, land management and recreation for the Tennessee River system and works with local utilities and state and local governments to promote economic development across the region. TVA, which makes no profits and receives no taxpayer money, is funded by sales of electricity to its customers. Electricity prices in TVA’s service territory are below the national average.

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Bradley County, Conway Data Inc., Himlock Semiconductor, John Bradley, Memphis Light Gas and Water, Ron Starner, Site Selection Magazine, Tennessee Valley Authority, Top North American Utilities, Toyota, TVA, Volkswagen, Wacker Chemie Ag

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Edwards Selected as EMS Chief

Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers announced the appointment Jimmie Edwards as Chief of Montgomery County’s Emergency Medical Services.

Edwards joins Montgomery County from the Department of Health, where he serves as Region 5 consultant for the EMS Division. He will start in his new position on October 4th.

Edwards has an associate degree of applied science from Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, Tennessee, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee and a Master of Science degree from Lorenz University, Wilmington, Delaware.

Edwards states, “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Montgomery County EMS and look forward to working with the community and my public safety colleagues. I am enthusiastic about this chance to lead

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Koshansky Belts Team-Leading 26th Homer For Nashville In Win

Metairie, LA – The Nashville Sounds plated a run in the top of the ninth inning to edge New Orleans, 4-3, on Friday evening at Zephyr Field in the opener of a four-game series.

Nashville (76-65), which extended its winning streak to four games, recorded its 20th last at-bat win of the year and won its seventh consecutive game in New Orleans, dating back to last season.

The Sounds took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning on second baseman Eric Farris’ two-out, two-run double to left off Z’s starter Nic Ungs. Norris Hopper and Martin Maldonado, who opened the frame with consecutive singles, scored on the two-bagger.

Nashville upped its lead to 3-0 in the fourth when Joe Koshansky (2-for-4) walloped his team-leading 26th home run of the season, a one-out solo shot to center off Ungs. The big fly extend Koshansky’s hitting streak to 15 games, the longest by a Sounds batter all season.

Sounds starter Sam Narron was nearly flawless over his first six innings of action, allowing four hits while keeping New Orleans off the board, before the home team rallied to tie the contest with a three-run seventh.

Brian Barden and Danny Richar started the rally with singles to put runners on the corners before Chris Aguila put the Z’s on the board by lifting a sacrifice fly to left. PCL uber-veteran Mark Saccomanno stepped in and crushed the first pitch he saw from Narron for a game-tying, two-run homer to right-center. The infielder’s sixth roundtripper of the season made it a 3-3 contest.

The contest remained tied until the ninth, when Nashville pulled back in front.

With one out in the top of the ninth, Brendan Katin drew a walk from Z’s reliever James Houser and moved to third on a Koshansky double. After Ray Olmedo was intentionally walked to load the bases with one down, left-hander Dan Meyer took over on the hill and was greeted by an RBI groundout off the bat of Norris Hopper, which plated Katin to give the Sounds a 4-3 lead. Richar, the second baseman, made a great diving play to keep the ball from getting to right field and allowing an additional run to score.

Brandon Kintzler took the hill for the Sounds in the bottom of the ninth and retired the Zephyrs in order to secure the win and nail down his sixth save of the year.

Sounds reliever Mitch Stetter (3-2) was the beneficiary of the last at-bat Sounds rally and picked up the victory after working a scoreless eighth inning.

House (0-2) took the loss for New Orleans after surrendering the game-winning run in his 1 1/3 innings of work.

Both starting pitchers in the contest took no-decisions despite a pair of quality-start efforts. Narron took a no-decision for Nashville despite tossing his team-leading 10th quality start of the year. The veteran southpaw allowed three runs on seven hits over his seven frames of action. Ungs matched Narron’s effort, allowing three runs over seven innings.

Katin finished 0-for-3 in the contest to snap his longest hit streak of the year at seven games.

The teams continue the series with a 6:00pm meeting on Saturday night. Right-hander Josh Butler (5-1, 4.99) will toe the rubber for the Sounds to face New Orleans right-hander Tom Mastny (4-5, 4.48).

Nashville Sounds (76-65) 4, New Orleans Zephyrs (64-76) 3

September 3rd, 2010

IBB: Olmedo (by Houser, J).

Pitches-strikes: Narron 95-66, Stetter 9-7, Kintzler 15-11, Ungs 80-54, Houser, J 29-15, Meyer 8-6.

Groundouts-flyouts: Narron 6-10, Stetter 2-0, Kintzler 1-0, Ungs 5-9, Houser, J 0-2, Meyer 2-0.

Batters faced: Narron 27, Stetter 3, Kintzler 3, Ungs 26, Houser, J 7, Meyer 2.

Inherited runners-scored: Meyer 3-1.

Umpires: HP: Mark Ripperger. 1B: Eddie Newsome. 2B: . 3B: Will Robinson.

Weather: 88 degrees, clear.

Wind: 5 mph, L to R.

T: 2:26.

Att: 7,967.

Compiled by MLB Advanced Media

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Brandon Kintzler, Brendan Katin, Brian Barden, Chris Aguila, Dan Meyer, Danny Richar, James Houser, Joe Koshansky, Josh Butler, Mark Saccomanno, Martin Maldonado, Mitch Stetter, Nashville Sounds, New Orleans Zephyrs, Nic Ungs, Norris Hopper, Ray Olmedo, Sam Narron, Tom Mastny, Zephyr Field

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Construction Won’t Slow Holiday Travelers

Transportation” width=”160″ height=”76″/>Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. More than 600,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel by car this holiday.

Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 3rd through 6:00am on Tuesday, September 7th. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As thousands of people hit the road in Tennessee, we want to ensure they get to their destinations quickly and safely without road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones. For instance, in Memphis workers will spend the weekend on the I-40/Hernando DeSoto Bridge seismic retrofit project preparing for a major new phase of work. Crews will reduce the bridge to one lane in each direction near exit 1 immediately following rush hour Tuesday morning. The I-40 Bridge will be reduced to one lane east and westbound from Tuesday, September 7th at 9:00am until mid-November.

Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“During this Labor Day weekend, travelers will notice an increased number of law enforcement personnel on Tennessee’s roadways,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Our main goal is for everyone to have a safe holiday, so we want to emphasize the importance of buckling up, obeying traffic laws, paying attention, and, above all, never driving drunk or impaired.”

The summer travel season is expected to close with almost 10% more travelers during the Labor Day weekend than during the same period in 2009.  AAA Auto Club South projects 658,864 Tennesseans will travel this Labor Day holiday, with 629,301 traveling by car and 18,242 traveling by air.  Nationwide travel is expected to be up 10% compared to 2008. Tennessee is anticipated to experience a 9.7% increase in travel through the state compared to last year’s numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter. For a list of available Twitter feeds visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm. Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

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Construction Won’t Slow Holiday Travelers

Transportation” width=”160″ height=”76″/>Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. More than 600,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel by car this holiday.

Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 3rd through 6:00am on Tuesday, September 7th. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As thousands of people hit the road in Tennessee, we want to ensure they get to their destinations quickly and safely without road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones. For instance, in Memphis workers will spend the weekend on the I-40/Hernando DeSoto Bridge seismic retrofit project preparing for a major new phase of work. Crews will reduce the bridge to one lane in each direction near exit 1 immediately following rush hour Tuesday morning. The I-40 Bridge will be reduced to one lane east and westbound from Tuesday, September 7th at 9:00am until mid-November.

Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“During this Labor Day weekend, travelers will notice an increased number of law enforcement personnel on Tennessee’s roadways,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Our main goal is for everyone to have a safe holiday, so we want to emphasize the importance of buckling up, obeying traffic laws, paying attention, and, above all, never driving drunk or impaired.”

The summer travel season is expected to close with almost 10% more travelers during the Labor Day weekend than during the same period in 2009.  AAA Auto Club South projects 658,864 Tennesseans will travel this Labor Day holiday, with 629,301 traveling by car and 18,242 traveling by air.  Nationwide travel is expected to be up 10% compared to 2008. Tennessee is anticipated to experience a 9.7% increase in travel through the state compared to last year’s numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter. For a list of available Twitter feeds visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm. Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

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Nashville, TN – After 30-plus years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker today announced plans to retire as commander effective September 2nd, 2010. A career which spanned over three decades, Walker felt it was time to step down and spend more time with his family.

“Colonel Walker has done an extraordinary job restoring the integrity and credibility of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Under his leadership, the highest standards of professionalism were expected and transparency in dealing with disciplinary issues was ensured. The Colonel has gained the trust and admiration of the department and his legacy will be one of tremendous respect as a State Trooper and leader of the THP.”

Colonel Mike Walker

Walker began his work as a Tennessee State Trooper in July of 1977. During the next 30 years, he worked as a road Trooper; served stints in both the Training, and Planning and Research divisions; was Director of Driver Licensing and Control; and performed duties as Troop Lieutenant, District Administrative Lieutenant and Director of the Professional Standards division.  Walker was appointed Colonel in March of 2006.

“It has been a great ride,” said Colonel Walker, just weeks shy of his 57th birthday. “You can bet when I walk away from here, I will still be the biggest supporter of the Department of Safety, and especially the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”  

Walker’s support for a structure to manage investigative and disciplinary processes for the department was instrumental in the organization and development of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a unit within the Professional Standards Bureau. Highlighting the OPR list of accomplishments is a revamped hiring and promotional process without partisan political influence. Established in 2007, the bureau was recommended in the Kroll Report commissioned by Governor Phil Bredesen.

Colonel Mike Walker receives Award.

Walker has honed the agency’s focus on highway traffic safety, positioning the THP as a lead organization in safety programs.  The number of statewide traffic fatalities has declined nearly 25 percent between the years 2006 to 2009. In lieu of this achievement, Colonel Walker received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Award of Public Service in March of 2009 for his leadership in statewide traffic records improvement and the implementation of an electronic crash reporting system for Tennessee.

In addition, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) national law enforcement challenge has ranked THP as the top agency twice over the past five years and in the top-three two times during that period. Agencies were judged on its efforts to enforce laws and educate the public on occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding.

After a 35 percent decline in large truck related traffic fatalities, the THP also received 2009 Commercial Vehicle Safety awards from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“During his tenure, Colonel Walker has been a true champion of safety,” stated Commissioner Mitchell. “His dedication to reducing highway fatalities has led to a solid partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the implementation of the Between the Barrels program. The Colonel played a key role in reaching and encouraging thousands of teenagers to become better, safer drivers.” 

Colonel Mike Walker

Colonel Walker’s latest achievement was spearheading an upgraded communications system for State Troopers to communicate more effectively. The current 1950s technology was approved for modernization by the 2010 Tennessee General Assembly.

“My biggest concern as the outgoing Colonel is trooper safety, and my biggest regret is not being here to see the improvement of communications technology through,” said Colonel Walker. “Enhanced technology is essential for troopers to remain safe throughout the state. My goal has always been for each trooper to make it home at the end of each shift.”

Walker attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is a graduate of the 57th class of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s Police Administration Training program. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for Signal Mountain.

“I am honored to have enjoyed a long career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” Colonel Walker said. “I consider the people I have worked with over the years as my family. Even though I have left the building, I won’t be very far. The THP will always hold a special place in my heart.”

A decision on Walker’s successor will be forthcoming.

About The Tennessee Department of Safety

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.TN.Gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

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Fort Campbell, KY – Just because summer is coming to an end, does not mean the fun has to. Join Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center (DW Rec.) as they host an End of Summer Cookout. Enjoy all your picnic favorites such as hotdogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips, dessert, and a drink for $3.00 per person. This is a great way to kick off the Labor Day weekend. Cookout begins at 4:00pm on September 5th.

Looking for a place to kick back and relax this Labor Day weekend? DW Rec. Center will be open to serve Soldiers and their Families on Labor Day from 11:00am until 8:00pm.

Exercise those thumbs and get ready for the Madden 11 Xbox 360 Tournament on Sunday, September 12th at 2:00pm. This video game tournament is open to all eligible MWR patrons. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent while remaining at D.W. Rec.  

Do you have a pet with a special talent or that can perform a unique trick? Maybe your pet is special for some other reason no one else would think of? Bring your pet to DW Rec. on September 19th and see if your pet’s tricks, size, personality, and uniqueness can win a prize.

Fun is sure to be had by all with door prizes, demonstrations, and show beginning at 3:00pm. Pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times, and must have proof they are current on all Fort Campbell regulated vaccinations.

On September 26th, DW Rec. invites you to play in the Post Wide Pool Tournament. Tournament is open to all eligible MWR patrons and those playing will vote to play using 8 or 9 ball rules. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers.

About Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center

DW Rec. is committed to providing Soldiers and Families a quality of life that is commensurate with their service through quality Recreation, Travel and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) programs and services. The BOSS program is proudly sponsored by USAA! The Recreation Center is located at 6145 Desert Storm Ave. All eligible participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains present the entire time. For more information about September events, please call D.W. Rec. Center at 270-798-7391.

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Baked Beans, Chips, Cookout, Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center, DC Rec., Dessert, Fort Campbell KY, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Labor Day Weekend, Morale Welfare and Recreation, MWR, Pool Tournament, Potato Salad, Xbox 360 Tournament

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