John Albertson
Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Tracy Trott announced changes to the highway patrol’s top command staff. John Albertson has been promoted from Major to Lt. Colonel, supervising the agency’s Field Operations Bureau. Stacy Williams has been promoted from Captain to Major, supervising the Special Investigations Bureau. The promotions for both patrol veterans are effective immediately.
The command staff changes were prompted by the retirement of Lt. Col. Richard “Dean” Hurley, who joined the THP in 1977. He has served as Lt. Col. since 2013.
Mr. Albertson has led the Special Investigations Bureau since 2011. Prior to that, he served as Lieutenant and statewide commander of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). He has served in various assignments within the Criminal Investigations Division, including several years as narcotics investigator.
Mr. Albertson started his career with the THP in 1987 as a road trooper assigned to Wilson and Rutherford Counties. He has been through numerous training classes and is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Roane State Community College and is currently earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
“John has demonstrated tremendous leadership in his previous role as major,” Mr. Trott said. “He led his division to new levels of performance and accomplished every goal he established back in 2006. There is no doubt that his track record and success rate will continue to flourish as lieutenant colonel.”
Joining the THP in 1994, Mr. Williams is a 20-year veteran of the state’s highway patrol. Prior to this promotion, he served as Captain and directed the department’s Identity Crimes Unit since its inception in April 2012. He recently received a Colonel’s Achievement Award for his work in Identity Crimes. Williams also has acted as a Captain in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), as well as Interim Director for CID. He has the experience in the field as a troop lieutenant and road sergeant, and served in an administrative role as an administrative lieutenant for a THP District Office. Williams is also a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police and Staff Command.
“Stacy’s list of accomplishments is both long and impressive,” Mr. Trott proclaimed. “He has demonstrated his professionalism and commitment to service throughout his career. I’m confident that his experience and skills will only help push our agency forward.”
Stacy Williams