Governor Lee makes third pitch to join THP

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee is inviting out of state law enforcement officers to come to work in Tennessee. 

It is his third pitch in three years, and it looks like another success.

“We are working out with the cadet class of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, just to remind them of how much we appreciate and how much I appreciate the men and women of law enforcement,” Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee said.

Since The Governor made his first pitch more than 200 new troopers have joined the Tennessee Highway patrol. Now there has been a surge in applications in 2023.

“We were having a little bit of difficulty getting folks in the state to get with the program. We put that call out to people in other states and it has been wildly successful,” said Willis Moore, Tennessee State Trooper. “We kept recruiting out of state and recruit good quality candidates to come to Tennessee.”

THP offers some of the most competitive benefits nationwide and a supportive staff. 

“It is a wonderful agency. Very supportive and We have great equipment. We have a great command staff, we have a supportive governor, great citizens of Tennessee that love their, their Highway Patrol,” said Moore. 

THP recently raised its starting salary to $65,000 a year but hiring just closed. 

Don’t worry, they plan to have another class for cadets in the winter. 

“I encourage anyone if you are thinking about it if you are on the fence, reach out to a recruiter go online, look up videos on YouTube, and we will get you there.” Moore concluded. 

Out-of-state law enforcement officers interested in joining can visit Tennessee Highway Patrol website.