The Tennessee Highway Patrol has honored it’s Troopers of the Year and a DeKalb County man is among them.
Trooper Charlie Caplinger was named Trooper of the Year for the Nashville District. On August 23, 2010, Trooper Caplinger, currently assigned to the Special Programs Division, responded to a citizen report of a burglary at a nearby residence. Working an overtime assignment at the time, Trooper Caplinger requested assistance and then took action. Upon arriving at the scene, he observed a male running from the home and into the woods. Trooper Caplinger instructed the suspect to throw away his weapon and surrender. The suspect refused and moments later, a gunshot was heard and Trooper Caplinger believed he was under fire. Caplinger returned fire, provided cover and directions to the assisting Trooper, who later located the male deceased from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Trooper Caplinger confirmed his bravery and dedication in protecting the citizens of Tennessee.
Trooper Caplinger was among several State Troopers who received Trooper of the Year honors in their respective districts. Meanwhile, the overall 2010 Trooper of the Year is Dwayne Stanford of Henderson County in the Jackson District. Awards were also given to the Investigator of the Year and Interdiction East and West Troopers of the Year, while 10 Troopers were also recognized for their DUI Enforcement efforts. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the THP Training Center located in Nashville on Friday, February 18.
“These men and women represent the long-standing achievements of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and its unwavering commitment to protect the citizens of this great state,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “We celebrate their bravery, honor their dedication, and thank them for being true public servants for the state of Tennessee.”
“Tennessee State Troopers like those honored today represent a proud tradition of service dating back to 1929,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “These 12 Troopers recognized today are examples of the everyday heroism and courage exemplified by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s professionalism and dedication to service and safety.”
Trooper Stanford joined the Department of Safety and Homeland Security in 2002 as a Communications Dispatcher and was later commissioned as a State Trooper in 2007. His initial assignment was as a Road Trooper in Fayette County until being transferred to Henderson County in the Jackson District in 2008. Trooper Stanford earned the Trooper of the Year honor after locating a juvenile who was kidnapped out of Maryland on February 13, 2010. Trooper Stanford received an AMBER Alert notification, began an immediate search for the suspect’s vehicle and located said subject within 20 minutes. He arrested the suspect without incident and preserved potential evidence in the case. Trooper Stanford was awarded House Joint Resolution No. 1313 by the state of Tennessee House of Representatives and the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation for his enforcement efforts. He was also recognized for the top 10 Troopers in DUI Enforcement with 30 arrests.
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