Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Highway To Be Dedicated To Fallen Trooper

   In honor of his dedication to duty through his life and death, state officials announced this week that a highway in Maury County will be named in honor of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks.

   Jenks, age 24, formerly assigned to serve through the Lawrenceburg District, was gunned down January 6 while conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of State Highways 14 and 54, approximately 40 miles north of Memphis. His body was later located by hunters, on the side of the roadway near his unoccupied police cruiser.

   In the wake of an all-night manhunt, Alejandro Guana, 17, and Orlando Garcia, 19, both of Texas, were arrested the following morning inside a Best Western motel near downtown Nashville. Authorities reported seizing around three pounds of marijuana from inside their motel room

   The Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill 79 this year, sponsored by Representative Tom DuBois, naming the segment of the highway after the fallen officer.

   “Trooper Calvin Jenks was an exceptional trooper who put service above self,” said DuBois. “Our state, as well as our community, still grieves his loss. This highway dedication in his honor is the least our state and community can do to express our respect and gratitude for his selfless service to our state.”

   “Trooper Calvin Jenks paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to ensure the roads and highways remain safe. His dedication will serve as a constant reminder to all citizens,” added Senator Bill Ketron.

   The dedication ceremony will be held August 18, 2007 in the parking lot of Galaxy Lanes Bowling Alley, located at 730 Mooresville Pike, Columbia, beginning at 9 a.m.  DuBois and Ketron will preside over the ceremony.

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