Lifetime Achievement Award for Highway Safety
Commissioner David W. Purkey (retired), Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Highway Safety is a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Tennessee. The THSO was honored to present this award to an individual whose career has been marked by exemplary service, leadership, and dedication. David Purkey received a bachelor’s degree in public health from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Tennessee. His is also a trained emergency medical technician, a certification he has held for more than thirty years. As a proud military veteran, Purkey served as an officer in the Tennessee Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve for eight years. His dedication to state and local government included roles as a 911 dispatcher, Morristown-Hamblen County Emergency Management Director, and Police Accreditation Manager for the City of Morristown. A courageous public servant, he served as a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper in the Nashville and Fall Branch districts and Special Agent in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in the Chattanooga region. Appointed Hamblen County Mayor in 1995, he led with fiscal responsibility, achieving historically low property tax rates and the highest bond rating on record as well as an audit recognizing the county’s record-setting rainy day reserve fund as well as its support of the largest building program in history which addressed the needs of the Hamblen County Department of Education. David Purkey retired after being elected to four consecutive terms. However, his retirement was short-lived, as he became a Homeland Security Advisor and Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in 2011, transforming the Office of Homeland Security into a proactive agency overseeing school security plans, training citizens and law enforcement agencies in active shooter response, and leading the state’s efforts to combat cybercrime. No stranger to awards, he received the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award in 2012 and was inducted into the Morristown-Hamblen High School West Hall of Fame in 2011. Lastly, serving as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security for two years, he brought an exemplary tenure of devoted, capable service to the State of Tennessee. Appointed to head the department by Governor Bill Haslam in September 2016, he guided it with intellect, drive, commitment, and an unwavering affinity for the State of Tennessee. This remarkable individual retired in 2019 after 38 years of distinguished government service.
Lieutenant Vincent Lewis (retired), Clarksville Police Department
Vincent Lewis, recently retired as Lieutenant with the Clarksville Police Department, dedicated 33 years to law enforcement, serving in various roles from patrol officer to traffic unit supervisor. His career has been marked by a commitment to keeping roadways safe and supporting his community. As traffic unit supervisor, he was not only a certified traffic crash reconstructionist but also a member of the Peer Support Team. His efforts in securing THSO grant funding have been crucial for enhancing traffic enforcement programs. Under his leadership, the Clarksville Police Department Traffic Unit expanded significantly, adding new personnel and resources to improve road safety. His response to over 100 fatal or near-fatal crashes demonstrated his unwavering dedication. Beyond his professional achievements, he has made it his mission to be accessible and supportive to families affected by vehicular crimes, leaving a profound impact on both victims and their families. His compassionate support has had a lasting effect, underscoring his exceptional dedication
Kent D. Starwalt – Executive Vice President, Tennessee Road Builders Association
This exceptional individual has made remarkable contributions to highway safety. Kent Starwalt’s dedication to improving road safety and supporting community initiatives has had a profound impact. Starwalt has been a steadfast supporter of vital safety programs such as the Ollie Otter initiative, which promotes child passenger safety in elementary schools across Tennessee. This individual has also championed the Reduce TN Crashes program, providing recognition and rewards to high schools that excel in promoting safe driving practices among students. In the past year, this awardee’s efforts have extended to significant contributions to the Ollie Otter Child Safety Foundation, ensuring that hundreds of car seats are distributed to families in need. His commitment to child passenger safety is a testament to his dedication. His support for work zone awareness initiatives and the Hands-Free Tennessee Law highlights his comprehensive approach to road safety. He has also been involved in promoting awareness through social media and engaging and educating young drivers.
Lieutenant Randy Brown (retired), Cookeville Police Department
Randy Brown’s dedication and service have profoundly impacted traffic safety in the Cumberland region. He has served under three different law enforcement liaisons – beginning with former law enforcement liaison Clint Shrum, continuing under Fred Sherrill, and most recently with Aaron Loden – spanning nearly twenty years. Selected by former LEL Shrum as a network coordinator for the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, this individual has been a steadfast supporter and vital asset to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, meticulously managing campaign reporting, reaching out to agencies for support, and assisting with various traffic safety programs. His efforts have been critical in organizing network meetings, meals, and checkpoints, significantly contributing to the success of traffic safety initiatives in the Cookeville area. With extensive experience, including roles on the SWAT team, Traffic Unit, Motorcycle Unit, and as a certified motorcycle instructor, this individual has proven to be a cornerstone of traffic safety efforts. As of June 28, 2024, Randy Brown has entered retirement. His remarkable contributions will be deeply missed, both professionally and personally.
Trooper Calvin Naipo, Tennessee Highway Patrol – District 2 (Chattanooga)
Trooper Calvin Naipo is someone who acted with extraordinary bravery and quick thinking in the face of a life-threatening situation. On Monday, July 1, 2024, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) received an alert about a stolen vehicle from Clarksville traveling eastbound on I-24. Troopers spotted the vehicle in Marion County and attempted to initiate a stop. However, the driver refused to stop, and a high-speed pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued from Marion County into Hamilton County. An East Ridge police officer was preparing to deploy spike strips at the 1-mile marker on I-75 southbound when the suspect vehicle swerved and struck him at approximately 100 miles per hour. The lead trooper in the pursuit attempted to stop the stolen vehicle by ramming it, which rendered his own vehicle inoperable. Despite this, the suspect vehicle continued. The trooper immediately jumped out of his disabled vehicle, radioed his dispatch about the officer down, and ran to assist the officer. He observed severe injuries sustained by the East Ridge officer, whose femoral artery had been severed, causing him to rapidly lose blood. Trooper Naipo retrieved his medical bag from his patrol vehicle and began administering life-saving procedures. He applied a tourniquet to the officer’s left arm and thoroughly checked for other visible injuries, all while speaking calmly to prevent him from going into shock. The injured officer was then transported by ambulance to Erlanger Medical Center. Trooper Naipo’s swift actions and medical intervention before the arrival of paramedics saved this officer’s life.
Master Patrol Officer Shepard Taylor, Collierville Police Department
Since joining the Collierville Traffic Unit in 2004, Master Patrol Officer (MPO) Shepard Taylor has made a lasting impact on highway safety. As a pioneering member of the motorcycle unit and a certified police motorcycle instructor, Taylor significantly enhanced the skills and safety of motor officers, both locally and beyond. With expertise in traffic crash reconstruction, Taylor is a recognized authority in both state and local courts, providing invaluable insights and contributions to road safety. In the past year, Taylor excelled as the project manager for a key THSO grant, actively engaging in THSO meetings and collaborating with the Shelby County Traffic Task Force. Their creation of the “Traffic Hot Sheet” and strategic deployment of traffic resources helped to make a difference on their local roadways. Moreover, his involvement in the Tennessee Occupant Protection Assessment contributed to the development of effective crash prevention programs. Through relentless public education and enforcement efforts, Taylor made a profound impact on community safety.
Tennessee Lifesavers Conference and Law Enforcement Challenge bring together individuals from all areas of highway safety to celebrate, educate, and empower highway safety partners across the state. This conference also recognizes the achievements made in improving the safety of our residents and guests on Tennessee roadways.
© 2025 Tennessee Traffic Safety Resource Service. Tennessee Highway Safety Office. All rights reserved. Attendees agree to allow the use of their name, image (photo and video) and other pertinent information in promotional activities for the “Lifesavers Conference & Law Enforcement Challenge”. Attendees release the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee Highway Safety Office and its representatives from any obligation or liability associated with this event.