To: Commissioner Dave Mitchell,

On December 11, I visited your Straw Plains Driver License Testing Station at 7320 Region Lane, Knoxville, to acquire a Tennessee Driver License. While there, I met Mary Carmichael. Despite the fact that the office was extremely busy, Ms. Carmichael painstakingly and patiently answered all of my questions, professionally and expertly processed my paperwork and likewise, took the time to field questions from her co-workers. In addition, she assisted me with my voter registration.

I have spent the last 17 years practicing law in the private sector. As such, I am not unfamiliar with those public employees who assume a bureaucratic mindset. Ms. Carmichael clearly is not the aforementioned ilk, but rather, the consummate professional public servant who takes great pride in her work and in the Tennessee Department of Safety. Indeed, she is a credit to your organization.

Joseph G. Jarret

Attorney AT Law

To: THP 8th District

On Saturday, December 1, 2007, I was driving through Tennessee with my sister, Jackie, on my way to assist our parents, who are living in Arkansas.  We were laughing and talking about everything imaginable.  I was driving in the left lane going about 75 miles-per-hour when I pressed the gas pedal, and to my horror, nothing happened.  I had failed to notice the gas gauge.  Within seconds, I realized that I had run out of gas – me, the one who tells my husband that it is ridiculous to run out of gas!  I am always the one who is telling my boys to check and make sure that they have enough gas.  I quickly realized that I was going to have to eat a lot of words!

But first, I needed help and had no idea how to get it.  My first thought was to call 911.  I felt embarrassed doing it, because I know the 911 system is for emergencies, not for people who run out of gas.  The wonderful woman who answered the 911 call was just the person I needed.  I told her that I did not know where I was, and she was as calm and composed as she could be.  She put me in touch with the THP dispatcher, who was equally as calm.  In my panicked state, I did not get their names, but they were wonderful.

In about 30 minutes, Trooper Terry Milholen arrived.  I must tell you that my sister and I think that he has angel wings.  He was very professional and very respectful to two women who should know better.  He smiled, put us at ease and assisted us in getting to a gas station. (We got a ride in a squad car.  That was a new experience!)  He brought us back to our car.  After putting a couple gallons of gas into the tank, he followed us back to the station to make sure that our car tank was full and that we were on our way.  He refused to let us buy him lunch or even buy him a coke.

We know that the THP has so many more important things to do than contend with people who are not paying attention, but he took the time to help us.  He, along with the dispatchers, truly was an answer to our prayers.  I really was praying for God to send an angel to help us, and as I was standing on the side of the road, the angel showed up wearing a THP uniform.  Trooper Milholen and the two dispatchers are an asset to the State of Tennessee.

Thank you all,

Libby Perry

To: Tennessee Department of Safety

I have emailed in before to complain regarding the service at a driver’s testing center, but yesterday, I returned to the driver’s license station at Centennial Boulevard.  I had the good fortune to have Jonathan Townsend to help me.  He was the most helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant person.  I must compliment this employee.  He as everything you would want an employee to be.

Thanks very much,

Ricky Hutcherson

I just wanted to drop a note to you to let you know of the excellent service that I received from two women in your office: Madene Sweeny and Angela Robertson.

At the beginning of November, I called you office on two separate occasions to request Driver License information, and I asked if they would be able to get the information back to me fairly soon.  Madene and Angela were friendly, polite and extremely accommodating.  I forwarded the requested paperwork, and I received the information back within the hour.

I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate the dependable and outstanding service that we receive from your agency.  If we can ever be of assistance to you, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Betty Nally
Secretary
ATF Louisville Field Division

To: Tennessee Department of Safety

Attn: Jeanne Rush, Supervisor

“Miss” Jeanne, I want you to know that we appreciate so much the help and assistance you and your staff give us as we try to assist people who come to us with driver’s license problems.

All of you are always so courteous, understanding and willing to help.  June, for instance, just gave me some much-needed help on a driver’s license situation, and I really appreciate it.

In this day and time, when we usually have to communicate with voicemail and go through many dialing options to reach a person, it is so nice to be able to call up your office and get a nice, helpful courteous person.  Please keep up the good work!

Merry Christmas to all of you.

Nancy Silvertooth
Circuit Court Clerk

To: Commissioner Dave Mitchell

On November 24, 2007, my family was returning fro Michigan on I-24 near the Jasper exit. A mechanical failure caused the lights on the vehicle to go out, leaving my family vulnerable to approaching traffic from the rear. Fortunately, they were able to coast off the interstate onto the Jasper/Kimball exit and into the parking lot of a local motel.

I received a call from my wife who was in panic from the experience. I told her to stay put, and I would get some help. I contacted the Nashville THP District Office who put me in touch with the Chattanooga District Office. I spoke to Trooper Patrick Turner, who shared my concern for the situation. He assured me that he would have a trooper there immediately. Trooper Steven Bourque was dispatched and arrived a few minutes later, making contact with my wife. Due to the late hour and being the weekend, the repair shops and rental car facilities were closed.

Trooper Bourque assured my wife that everything would be okay. My family checked into the local motel for the night. This Trooper made arrangements to have someone to go to the local auto parts store to obtain an alternator and to install the part on the vehicle - on Sunday!

In my 27-year career as a Georgia State Trooper, I have had the opportunity to help fellow law enforcement personnel from other states, but rarely have I had to call for help for myself. Please allow me to express my deep gratitude to your department and staff. Also, I would like to thank the Trooper for their help and especially, Trooper Bourque for his actions beyond the call of duty. These men represent the highest caliber of professionalism. Trooper Bourque came to the rescue of frightened members of my family and assured them of help. Please convey my sincerest gratitude to them.

Master Trooper J.C. Price (retired) Georgia

To:  Department of Safety,

I have just visited the driver license station at the Hickory Ridge Mall in Memphis to renew my license and have a new photo made.  I must tell you that it was the most pleasant and efficient experience I have had with any governmental agency at any level.

The people were courteous and efficient.  Everything was computerized, and I was in and out of there in less than 18 minutes, with a new license in hand.

Thank you, and I hope you will strive to achieve this kind of service in all areas where you serve the public.

Dave Harris
Memphis

I am writing to tell you about my experience with Safety employee, John Brownlee.

I called to talk to him about reinstating my son’s driver license.  Mr. Brownlee was very kind and polite to me.  Mr. Brownlee’s professional attitude and caring were very much appreciated.  I am happy to know that the State employs a man, such as Mr. Brownlee.

Thank you very much.

David Trent

To: Sergeant Michael McAlister

Once again, I would like to that you for taking time out of your busy day to come and speak to my class.  I have included thank you notes from the students.  On Thursday, when I spoke with them, all of them said that they really enjoyed your presentation.  I know that I certainly did, and I was fascinated to hear how your CIRT teams function.

I hope that we will be able to have you come speak to us again next school year.

Mike Weeks
Principles of Technology Instructor
LaVergne High School

To: Trooper Jimmy Stevens

I know you probably do not remember me.  I was on my way home from Cookeville and ran off the road just north of Dunlap.  I just wanted to send you a little note to tell you how much I appreciated your help.  That was the first accident I have had, and you really helped ease my nerves, making me feel better about the situation. I appreciate you staying with me until my parents arrived, and the wrecker got there.  I know all of this is just part of the job for you, but it really meant a lot to me and my parents.

Thanks again,

Mande Humphrey

To: Trooper Steve Bourque

While traveling from Kentucky to Florida with my wife, Carol, and father-in-law, I had a flat tire on the interstate ten miles north of Chattanooga.  My wife called 911, and very soon Trooper Bourque was there.  Quickly understanding that he was in the midst of people who had no idea about how to change a tire, and with the heavy traffic only a few feet away, he kept us off the road at a safe distance while he proceeded to change the tire.

My family and I commend the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their professionalism, courtesy and efficiency so splendidly displayed by Trooper Bourque.

Don Johnson

To: Tennessee Highway Patrol

On September 15, while I was traveling on I-40 near mile marker 20, my vehicle had a blowout.  Trooper Michael Bolton pulled up behind me as soon as I pulled off the interstate.  I feel that he went beyond the call of duty.  I had pulled onto the left shoulder.  Due to the heavy volume of traffic, I was not able to pull off to the right.  Trooper Bolton helped me to pull to the right shoulder, and then he changed my tire for me.  I have never had a Trooper be so nice and polite as Trooper Bolton was.

So many times, we do not take the time to acknowledge the care and concern that Troopers have for our safety.  I feel very fortunate to have received help from such a caring Trooper as Trooper Bolton.

Thank you,

Margaret Sevier

I just got back to my office from taking my daughter to the Lebanon DMV (Driver License Center) to get a duplicate driver's license (her's was lost over the weekend). As usual, the lobby was full and there was a line to get a number. But this time, something was different. There was a magic box over in the corner called the Self-Service Kiosk. Instead of waiting 2.5 to three hours, as was the current wait, we now have the option of using the kiosk to save time... and that's an understatement! We were literally in and out with a new license in... are you ready... FIFTEEN MINUTES! WOOHOO! Kudos, kisses, and all manner of hoopla to the person who came up with this fabulous magic box!

Now if only we can figure out how to get these magic boxes in DOCTORS' offices...

Bravo! Bravo!

Mary Murphy
One happy TN taxpayer

To Trooper Boles:

I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  My children were in a car heading on 24 to Chattanooga from Manchester Friday night, when a tractor-trailer hit a piece of rubber from a blown tire. The rubber hit the front of my mother's car and busted the windshield. You graciously took them to the Stuckey's and waited until my sister was contacted to come get them. Your patience with my children, who can be very trying in the best of circumstances, was greatly appreciated. This incident reinforced my gratitude to be working with the troopers and law enforcement officers throughout the State of Tennessee.

Again, you are from now on one of my hero's. Although I hate to say this, but if you had been driving one of the Chargers or a marked car my son would be talking about you even more than he is already.

Thank you,
Rhonda Hutt

I would like to thank the Trooper that picked me and my mother up on the east side of Interstate 40 on the other side of exit 24‑25 Arlington, TN.

Today it was hot and my car ran hot and would not crank. My mother and I were in the heat and the Officer stopped and offered his help. He was not able to help us, but he did give us a ride back to the Horizon at the Airline Road Exit. The Traffic was at the highest of the day and being on the side of the road is dangerous. I did not get Officer's name. The time of day was about 5:00 pm.  I would like to make sure that this Officer know how much we appreciated his act of kindness and not let us stand out in the heat and the traffic. I would like to also thank the THP For doing a good job in protecting and keeping Tennessee citizens safe on the highways.

Thanks,
Tracy Hall
Mason, TN

Col. Walker,

I would like to share how one of your State Troopers went above and beyond the call of duty.  My name is Criss Wheeler.  I am a single mother of three girls. I own a company, Priority Ultrasound, a mobile radiology unit, that requires me to travel I-40 from Memphis to Nashville about six times a month.  On Aug. 27, 2007, I was west bound on I-40 around mile marker 142. I had moved to the left lane, passing an eighteen wheeler when my front tire blew out.  I almost hit the truck and went all the way over to the right side of the road.  I had my three girls with me, which at this point were hysterical and crying.  I pulled off the road as much a possible. It was pitch black and no exits in site. I put my flashers on and tried to calm down the girls. I stepped out of my Tahoe to check out the damage and see if I even had a spare. I never in my life had been more scared. As I was walking to the back, an eighteen wheeler was coming towards us in the right lane it swerved of the road a slight bit then corrected itself as it honked. I never knew how fast 70mph really was until that moment. I was frozen with fear. I got back in my car and had no idea of what to do. Every time a big truck would come by I would watch in my rear view mirror to make sure it would not hit us as the entire car would shake.  I sat there for about an hour not knowing what to do. I finally got service and called information and eventually got connected to you, the hwy patrol. They said they would send someone out. That is where Trooper Plotzer, my hero, comes in. He very politely introduced himself, reassured me and said he would help me. He did exactly that and more. Changing this tire was not an easy task, seeing as if I did not have all the stuff I needed.  I could not help but think, it was still dark, it was still hot, and it was still very dangerous, the trucks going 70mph were still there. Trooper Plotzer did something I could not do, he protected my children and myself. For that I am eternally grateful. He will always be in my prayers. Not only did he change my tire, he followed me about 5 miles to the nearest exit to put more air in it. He also gave me the number for the hwy patrol, so if I ever had another problem on the hwy I would know who to call. He did not have to do any of that.  This man put his life on the line to protect ours. He showed more compassion, strength, and character than most people could only dream about. I will feel safe doing my weekly trips to Nashville knowing he is protecting our hwy and the people on them. He will be in my prayers and may god bless him and his family. I am truly thankful.

Sincerely,
Criss Wheeler

Dear Commissioner Mitchell,

I just wanted to take the time to commend one of your officers, Travis Ryans.  About a month ago, he came to our aide at Euchee Marina.  As we left the building, three men assaulted us verbally and followed us down to our vehicle.  Frightened, my husband called Mr. Ryans because he knew he was an officer and hoped he could help us diffuse the situation.  Unfortunately, Officer Ryans was physically assaulted by one of the men.  He used his superb training to subdue the assailant and the situation quickly dissipated.  Without Mr. Ryans’ aide, I am afraid the outcome could have been much worse for my husband and me.  I personally feel much safer knowing that officers like Mr. Ryans are doing their part to protect the public.  He is a product of a state system that exhibits a high level of integrity and is in my opinion one of the best in the country.

Sincerely,

Cayce Rountree

I am pleased to file a commendation for professional conduct and courtesy for Driver's License Examiner Officer Human of the Rockwood TN station.  After having passed the written portion of her test in July, on August 15, 2007, my wife, Lihui Hu was examined for the driving portion by Officer Human in Rockwood TN.

My wife, who is Chinese, is fluent in English but often has trouble understanding my and other's east TN accent.  I explained this to Officer Human, who then professionally and courteously spoke slowly and clearly when giving instructions for the exam.  I appreciated this and would like to state this for the record.

Henry Hedden

Well Done! On behalf of those who must commute U.S. 129 daily, THANK YOU.  And on behalf of those who may now resume taking this scenic and much shorter route into Tennessee, THANK YOU. 

Job well done, guys.

J. Extine

Just wanted to say "Thanks" for a job well done. Trooper Cox went well beyond his job. He stayed with my 17 year old daughter, Chelsey while emergency staff moved her wrecked vehicle to free her from the vehicle.  She was ejected from vehicle and pinned under her car.  Trooper Cox held her hand and talked to her through the whole horrible ordeal.   Chelsey continues to tell her friends and family about how Trooper Cox comforted her.  Not only was he very comforting at the scene of the accident, Trooper Cox called to check on my daughter several times after the accident. 

Trooper Cox impressed me and my family. You never hear of good things about people any more.  I just wanted to let you know what a great asset Trooper Cox is to the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  I have worked in the Weakley County driver license office for seven years.  As you know, the majority of the stories we hear in driver license are not always positive.   It is rewarding to know that Trooper Cox goes above and beyond the call of duty to represent the State of Tennessee and the Highway Patrol.

Would you please express to your superiors, our appreciation for Trooper Cox's assistance during Chelsey's accident?  

Sincerely,
Trina Morris

This is probably the only e-mail you’ll get supporting the crackdown on U.S. 129, but Thank You for your code enforcement efforts on U.S. 129.  As a motorcycle rider myself, I applauded your work.

Far too many riders have been injured or died on that section of road.  The real sad part is they have taken many innocent riders with them.  The “Tail of the Dragon” is famous, no doubt.  I want to be able to ride it in safety.  Your continued hard work will ensure that for myself and many more.  Please keep up the good work.

Thankfully yours,
Don Bitter