TDOT to Suspend All Lane Closure Activity for the Memorial Day Weekend
May 23, 2018
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
Nashville, TN – Motorists won’t be delayed by road construction as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00noon on Friday, May 25th through 6:00am on Tuesday, May 29th, 2018.
No Road Construction Delays for Holiday Travelers. (Tennessee Department of Transportation)
Tennessee Highway Patrol launches I-40 Challenge Enforcement Initiative
November 21, 2017
Nashville, TN – Today, Commissioner David W. Purkey of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Tracy Trott joined multiple law enforcement partners to announce the fifth annual “I-40 Challenge Drive to Zero Fatalities” traffic safety initiative.
The I-40 Challenge will consist of increased patrols from state police/ highway patrol agencies along the I-40 corridor. In Tennessee, I-40 enforcement efforts will increase on the busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving holiday starting on Wednesday, November 22nd, and continuing through Sunday, November 26th.
Increased patrols are planned during Thanksgiving holiday.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Promotes Tony Barham to Lieutenant Colonel
June 30, 2017
Will Oversee THP’s Administrative Bureau
Nashville, TN – 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 Tony Barham to Lieutenant Colonel over THP’s Administrative Bureau. This position will be vacated after the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel John Albertson, on July 7th, 2017.
“Tony has proven himself over and over to be an effective manager and leader,” said Colonel Tracy Trott. “His skills and abilities are unmatched. He has a vision for the agency that will help us build upon our previous successes,” Trott added.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Tony Barham.
TDOT Suspends All Lane Closure Activity for 2017 Memorial Day Weekend
May 25, 2017
Nashville, TN – Motorists won’t be slowed down by road construction as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 26th through 6:00am on Tuesday, May 30th.
This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
Road Construction Won’t Delay Memorial Day Travelers. (Tennessee Department of Transportation)
Tennessee issues Public Health Advisory on Fentanyl
April 30, 2017
Nashville, TN – Fentanyl, an exceptionally powerful drug used legally to treat extreme pain, has found its way to the illegal drug market, and it is killing people.
According to three departments and one agency of Tennessee State Government, overdose deaths associated with fentanyl are increasing in the state and law enforcement officials have found the drug in counterfeit versions of commonly misused pain relief pills.
Misuse and Accidental Use of Powerful Drug Fentanyul can be Fatal.
Tennessee Highway Patrol to conduct “No Refusal” enforcement during New Year’s Eve Holiday
December 31, 2016
THP Reminds Drivers to Not Drink and Drive
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct a “No Refusal” traffic safety enforcement campaign during the 2016 New Year’s Eve holiday period beginning Friday, December 30th, at 6:00pm and concluding Sunday, January 1st, at 11:59pm.
State troopers will perform saturation patrols and bar/tavern checks as well as seat belt, sobriety and driver’s license checkpoints during the holiday. All of Tennessee’s 95 counties will have troopers working to ensure a safe holiday as we conclude the year.
The state statute regarding “No Refusal” allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers.
Tennessee Highway Patrolman on a traffic stop.
1,451 Tennesseans Die from Drug Overdoses in 2015
November 17, 2016
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Health data show 1,451 people died from drug overdoses in the state in 2015.
This is the highest annual number of overdose deaths recorded in state history and brings the five-year total for Tennessee to 6,036 lives lost. That figure is approximately the equivalent of every person on 40 mid-size jet liners dying.
Deadly Epidemic of Substance Use Disorders Continues to Grow in Tennessee.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announces David Purkey as Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director
September 1, 2014
Purkey to continue serving as Governor’s Homeland Security advisor
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today announced the appointment of David W. Purkey as a deputy commissioner of the Military Department where he will direct the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
Purkey has served as interim director of TEMA since the April retirement of Jim Bassham. He will also continue to serve as the governor’s Homeland Security advisor and assistant commissioner for the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. [Read more]
