Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is meeting the challenge! Four THP Districts earned top state honors at Tennessee 's second annual Law Enforcement Challenge Awards Ceremonies held Friday, July 28, in Nashville . The agency also received the top award Thursday, July 27, at the Governor's Highway Safety Office Lifesavers Conference.

The THP's Memphis District claimed top prize in the Special Category Award for Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, while the Knoxville District took home first place accolades in the State Police category. The Fall Branch District finished second place and Chattanooga finished third in the State Police category.

The districts were judged on their local efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding. The winning initiatives successfully combined officer training, education and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within their jurisdictions. The THP was among a select field of 25 law enforcement agencies statewide to receive awards.

"The Law Enforcement Training Challenge is an important recognition for these organizations," stated Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "Each year, law enforcement agencies are asked to set comprehensive goals and strive to meet them. I am pleased to see the Highway Patrol Districts stepping up to the challenge and achieving these honors."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol overall was also awarded the top prize at the Governor's Highway Safety Office Lifesaver Conference when they took home the Lifesaver Award. This award recognizes the THP for its unwavering dedication and outstanding commitment to highway safety throughout the state.

"It is an honor for the Highway Patrol and our individual districts to be recognized as a leader of traffic safety programs statewide. We continually strive to craft and execute enforcement campaigns that ultimately reduce crashes and injuries for all motorists traveling in Tennessee ," said Colonel Mike Walker. "Congratulations to the Knoxville , Fall Branch, Chattanooga and Memphis districts for their superior efforts."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.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.