Deputy Christopher Pearce, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
Stephanie Scarborough, Tennessee Tech University’s iCube (formerly)
Stephanie Scarborough dedicated years of hard work to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office through a grant with the Tennessee Tech University’s iCube in the areas of occupant protection, child passenger safety, teen driving safety, and the development of traffic safety marketing materials. She also played a pivotal role in the creation of the new vehicle occupant safety standards adopted by the Tennessee Board of Education. For the very first time, groundbreaking standards on traffic safety have been formally introduced into classroom instruction and are now a required part of the Tennessee Health Education and Lifetime Wellness curriculum for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. These standards now bring teachers into the conversation around roadway safety. As a resource to help teachers create impactful curriculum and give them the knowledge and tools they need, Stephanie helped create the website TNRoadSafetyStandards.org – an online hub outlining traffic safety education standards and providing accessible classroom resources to meet these requirements. Stephanie also led the THSO’s “Reduce TN Crashes” Program, a peer-to-peer traffic safety incentive program for teen drivers via an online platform of state-based and nationally recognized activities. In addition to her leadership role in traffic safety education standards, Stephanie served as the primary graphic designer for Tennessee Tech University’s iCube. Her ability to create complex safety messages into creative, engaging, and accessible visuals played a major role in safety programs across the state, like the beloved Ollie Otter program — a cornerstone of early traffic safety education, occupant protection, child passenger safety, and teen driving. Stephanie also played a major role in the creation of graphic material for numerous Tennessee Lifesavers and Law Enforcement Challenge Conferences. Throughout her time at Tennessee Tech University’s iCube, she was known for not only her skill but for her dedication, professionalism, and passion for making a difference.
Kathy Kilgore is someone who, after experiencing an unimaginable personal loss, transformed her grief into a powerful commitment to helping others facing similar heartbreak. Her dedication is both inspiring and deeply moving. Kathy lost her son, Cole, to an impaired driver. She knows first-hand how impaired driving can impact families. Through grief, Kathy founded the “Victim Impact Panel” in Dickson, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. This panel puts a “face” to not only the victims but also the survivors of drunk or drugged driving. This panel offers a powerful platform for individuals to share how their lives have been forever changed by the actions of those charged with DUI. Through their stories of loss, resilience, and hope, panelists shed light on the devastating impact impaired driving can have. To date, twenty courageous individuals have participated in the panel, with more expected to join in the near future. In the past year, Kathy’s efforts have also helped to coordinate the first “Survive the Celebration” event at Creek Wood High School. This event, taking place just before prom, involved a staged multi-vehicle crash with students as participants. Multiple agencies participated: the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, Dickson County EMS, and multiple area Fire Services. This staged crash viewed by the high schools Juniors and Seniors brought awareness to the harsh realities and consequences of dangerous driving behaviors. As the Impaired Driving Program Coordinator for the Drug Free Dickson Coalition, Kathy has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion. She has reached and educated 881 students and 589 adults about the serious consequences of impaired driving and the dangers of riding with someone under the influence. Her efforts are making a lasting impact by promoting awareness, responsibility, and safer choices.
Chief Randy Evans, Cookeville Police Department (retired)
Randy Evans is an exceptional individual known for his outstanding commitment to traffic safety and his long-standing partnership in promoting safer roads across the state of Tennessee. This awardee has dedicated over 41 years to law enforcement, beginning his service with the City of Cookeville in 1983 as a Patrol Officer. Rising through the ranks to Sergeant (1990), Lieutenant (1998), Captain (2007), Major (2010), and ultimately Chief of Police in 2013, he has contributed to nearly every area of police operations. Under his leadership, the department has experienced remarkable growth and modernization, most notably marked by the completion of the state-of-the-art police headquarters in 2022. This facility not only serves the evolving needs of the department but also reflects the Chief’s commitment to advancing public safety infrastructure in Cookeville. His willingness to open the doors of this facility to outside organizations – including the THSO – for training, meetings, and recognition ceremonies, further demonstrates his spirit of collaboration and service beyond his department. Throughout his tenure, this Chief championed traffic safety initiatives, community engagement, and department accreditation—always placing the safety of citizens and officers at the forefront. He is recognized for his enduring leadership, exemplary service, and lifelong dedication to traffic safety in Cookeville, and across the state of Tennessee.
The 24/7 Movement (Executive Director Randy Bonner, Matt Dillard, Terri Dillard)
This Director’s Award recognition celebrates the impact of a remarkable movement – one that honors the lives and legacy of two extraordinary people, and the unshakable love of a family that turned heartbreak into hope. On Christmas Day in 2022, Dustin and Brittany Dillard, who lost their lives too soon at the age of 33, were driving to their final Christmas celebration of the season with their three young boys: Pryor, Pierce, and Preston. In one unimaginable moment, their journey and their lives were forever changed. Their vehicle was struck head-on by a drunk driver whose car had gone airborne. Dustin and Brittany died on impact. Their sons Pryor (age 2), Pierce (age 4), and Preston (age 7) suffered critical injuries. That night, doctors did not expect Preston or Piece to survive, but thanks to the swift action of first responders, being airlifted to the hospital, and the strength of two brave little boys still fighting, they pulled through. Today, those children are raised by their loving grandparents, Matt and Terri Dillard. Through their strength and that of their family and community, a few months later a movement was born. A nonprofit built from love, loss, and a fierce determination to spare others from experiencing the pain they now endure every day. This organization is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness about the dangers and often irreversible consequences of impaired and distracted driving. The name of this organization – The 24/7 Movement – holds a deep and lasting meaning. It reflects the ages of the three boys on the day of the crash, while also serving as a powerful reminder to remain vigilant 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the past 12 months, The 24/7 Movement has made a significant impact reaching more than 5,000 students through full-day educational programs, interactive booths, and driving stations. In that time, they have gathered over 1,500 Safe Driving and “I Will Not be Silent” Pledges, reflecting a growing commitment to safer roads. In honor of Brittany, a beloved teacher at Walker Valley Highschool, the movement also launched “Brittany’s Kids Club,” a student-led traffic safety group designed to empower youth and continue her legacy through peer-driven advocacy. Most recently, The 24/7 Movement unveiled its newest tool, a mobile trailer featuring the Dillard family’s SUV, which serves as a powerful, visual reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. This exhibit is helping to spark vital conversations wherever it goes. Beyond education and awareness, the Dillards continue to drive meaningful change through advocacy and policy. Their efforts led to the passage of the Dillard’s Law, signed Governor Bill Lee, which helps ease the financial burden on surviving parents or guardians affected by vehicular homicide. Award recognition cannot undo what happened, but it stands as a reminder that love can move mountains, and through the deepest sorrow, purpose can rise.
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.