Dunlap native Walker to lead Highway Patrol

By Andy Sher Nashville Bureau
Chattanooga Times Free Press
March 2, 2006

NASHVILLE — Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely on Wednesday appointed a 52-year-old Dunlap, Tenn., native as colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Mike Walker, who had been serving as a captain of the Department of Safety’s office of professional standards, assumed the helm of the THP immediately. The Highway Patrol has 850 commissioned positions and is charged with enforcing state traffic laws on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.

"After careful consideration, I have chosen Captain Mike Walker to be colonel of the THP, and Captain Albert Strawther as the lieutenant colonel," Mr. Nicely said in a statement. "I have carefully reviewed the experience and backgrounds of both of these people."

He said he requested a similar review by the Kroll Group, a consulting firm retained by the state after the revelations of ongoing problems at the Safety Department.

"They concur with my choices for these important jobs," Mr. Nicely said.

Mr. Nicely also appointed veteran administrator Greta Dajani to manage the driver’s license issuance division.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, whose panel has been investigating problems with the Department of Safety, questioned the timing of the announcement.

"I think it was sort of a rush to judgment," Sen. Norris said.

He said his committee earlier Wednesday authorized him to write to Mr. Nicely, questioning him about the "wisdom of proceeding as interim commissioner" with such a high-level appointment.

"I don’t know the man," Sen. Norris said of Col. Walker. "I do know his personnel file. I look forward to meeting him."

Col. Walker began his law enforcement career with the Signal Mountain Police Department in 1976. He has been with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 28 years, including several years as a lieutenant in Chattanooga.

He said he felt a bit overwhelmed by the appointment.

"Not for long," Col. Walker said. "I’m sure there’ll be some changes."

He said he did not know what he would recommend, but he expects to make some "logical, informed decisions along with the commissioner."

Col. Walker replaces former Col. Lynn Pitts, who resigned in December after he allegedly bought a fishing boat seized by the Safety Department. The purchase would violate state law.

Days later, then-Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips resigned and Deputy Commissioner Tom Moore retired after months of disclosure suggesting links between promotions and political support for Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen.

There were revelations that background checks showed 41 troopers and staffers had criminal arrest histories or records of serious driving violation.

Col. Walker said he contributed $400 to Gov. Bredesen’s re-election effort back in 2004. He said he bought eight tickets at $50 each for an event.

"The contribution wasn’t made with a promise or a hope for anything," Col. Walker said. "If there was a position or a promotion to be had for $400 I wouldn’t want it. It’s like a ($400) car; you either push it or pull it."

Col. Walker estimated that problems were linked to only about 5 percent of troopers.

E-mail Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com NEW THP COLONEL Who: Mike Walker What: Promoted Wednesday from captain to colonel, leading the Tennessee Highway Patrol Hometown: Dunlap, Tenn.

Background: Signal Mountain Police Department, 1976. Joined THP in 1977 as trooper in Marion County, served as a supervisor over five counties, coordinated THP security at the 1996 Olympic white water competition on Ocoee River, administrative lieutenant in the THP’s Chattanooga District, named captain over professional standards in 2003. Age: 52 Marital status: Married with seven children Education: Attended University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, completed Northwestern University Police Administration course.