After 30 plus years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker announced plans on Tuesday, to retire as commander effective Sept. 2. After a career which spanned over three decades, Mr. 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.”

Mr. Walker began his work as a Tennessee State Trooper in July, 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. Mr. 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.”

Mr. 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, 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.

Mr. 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.

Because of this achievement, Colonel Walker received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 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 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 and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

“During his tenure, Colonel Walker has been a true champion of safety,” said 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 Walker’s latest achievement was spearheading an upgraded communications system for State Troopers to communicate more effectively. The current 1950's 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.”

Mr. 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 Mr. Walker’s successor will be forthcoming.

Colonel Walker receives award.