Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Name Of Slain Trooper Added To National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

   The name of a Trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, killed in the line of duty in 2006, was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

   Trooper Calvin Jenks, 24, formerly assigned to serve through the Lawrenceburg District, was shot in January 2007 while conducting a traffic stop in Tipton County, near Memphis. Jenks was the first THP officer killed by gunfire since 1991.

   In the wake of Jenks’ murder, police officials were able to track his alleged killers to a motel in Nashville. The two Texas residents were arrested there on drug and murder charges.

   Defendant Orlando Garcia stood trial in connection with the murder in 2007 and was found guilty of facilitation of first degree murder. Trial for codefendant Alejandro Guana is on-going this week.

   Jenks’ name was added to the memorial during ceremonies Tuesday night. A candlelight vigil and wreath-laying ceremony were also planned during the week of observation of National Law Enforcement Week.

   Jenks was among 358 slain officers honored during the observance. Across the country a total of 177 officers were killed in the line of duty during 2006, while 181 perished in 2007.

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