TENNESSEE – Today at the 2025 “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony, Governor Bill Lee and State Senator Becky Duncan Massey joined Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays to honor and remember five first responders who died or suffered a career-ending injury in the line of duty.
2025 “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” Honorees
Trooper Adam Cothron, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cookeville District, Troop E
While working a special enforcement campaign in Putnam County on July 19, 2024, Trooper Adam Cothron was shot resulting in critical injuries. The gunman and his accomplice fled the scene and after a large scale multiagency, multistate investigation, both suspects were apprehended and are now navigating the criminal justice system. As a State Trooper, Cothron was selected for the prestigious Interdiction Plus and K-9 units. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff in Trousdale County.
“It is deeply humbling to join the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony, where we pay tribute to courageous first responders of our state,” said Senator Massey. “These brave men and women and their stories embody the Tennessee spirit of selflessness and dedication. This ceremony is about honoring their lives and service as we uphold our commitment and support for those who keep our communities safe.”
The “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” was created in 2014 by the Tennessee General Assembly (TCA 4-1-501). Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Senator Massey spearheaded the effort to develop a special statewide recognition for public servants who, in the line of duty, were killed or suffered a career-ending injury. The “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” is managed by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Office of Homeland Security.“
Today we honor the service and sacrifice of the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” recipients, and grieve with their loved ones,” said Commissioner Long. “We are proud to recognize these brave and selfless first responders who lost their life or suffered a career-ending injury while working to ensure the safety and security of their fellow Tennesseans.”
The “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony is available to watch on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s YouTube page, youtube.com/@Safety.
###The Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
Three Stars of Tennessee Award Ceremony Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/safetytn/albums/72177720328919058/
Three Stars of Tennessee Award Ceremony Livestream Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/E_F_fFJpbgk
