LA VERGNE, Tenn. - The La Vergne Police Department is significantly bolstering its traffic safety division following the recent graduation of two veteran members from a rigorous motorcycle instructor course. Sergeant Wilson and Field Training Officer Magliocco successfully achieved their certifications, marking a pivotal advancement for the agency’s internal training capabilities.
With these new credentials, the department no longer needs to rely on outside agencies to certify its riders. Sergeant Wilson and FTO Magliocco are now authorized to train fellow officers in-house, directly increasing the number of personnel qualified for specialized motor patrol. Local residents should expect a noticeable uptick in motorcycle officer presence throughout the summer months as these highly skilled units deploy to monitor city thoroughfares.
Motorcycle units offer several tactical advantages that standard patrol vehicles cannot match. Their compact size allows for superior maneuverability through heavy congestion, ensuring faster response times during peak traffic hours or crowded community events. Additionally, the high visibility of a motor officer serves as a potent deterrent against reckless behavior, allowing for focused enforcement that proactively reduces the likelihood of serious collisions. Below, WGNS will also give you more information on how Rutherford County ranks when it comes to traffic accidents, and the numbers may surprise you...
Fast, Agile, Approachable: While motorcycles offer unmatched agility and speed for emergency response, the safety of operating these units remains a significant concern, particularly regarding the behavior of other motorists. This risk led to one agency on the south end of the county to hit the pause button.
One Local Agency Says NO to Motorcycle Division: The Murfreesboro Police Department indefinitely froze their motorcycle unit in August of 2017. Now, close to 9-years later, WGNS asked MPD Chief Michael Bowen if he'd ever consider bringing back the motorcycle officers, and he told us... In a very short time-span, Murfreesboro Police saw a rash of accidents that involved their motorcycle unit, some that came with life changing injuries.
8-Years prior to the MPD ending their motorcycle division, there was a fatal accident that involved one of their own. 43-Year old Kaya Frances Rogers, a 15-year veteran of the police department, was killed on Nov 8, 2005, when a vehicle allegedly pulled into her path on Middle Tennessee Boulevard. Rogers was the first and only female motorcycle officer in the city.
Currently, there are no plans in place for the Murfreesboro Police Department to ever bring their motorcycle brigade back. The MPD froze its motorcycle division in August 2017.
Rutherford County Ranks Worst in Tennessee for Speed-Related Crashes: The push for increased enforcement in La Vergne, which has a little more than 5-times fewer residents than Murfreesboro, comes as Rutherford County faces high accident rates.
According to state data, Rutherford County ranks 9th out of 95 counties for overall crashes and 6th for accidents involving injuries. Most notably, the county ranks 1st in the state for accidents where speeding is the primary contributing factor.
In contrast to these local figures, Shelby County holds the top rank for overall accidents and unlicensed drivers, while Pickett County holds the safest rating in the state across speeding, fatal wrecks, and injury categories.
Photos in this article are from the La Vergne Police Department.
The La Vergne Police Department, which consists of nearly 100 sworn officers and civilian staff, reports they remain committed to using every available resource - including vehicle, motorcycle, and bicycle units - to proactively address these transit challenges. Officials emphasized that while the department is increasing its enforcement tools, public safety remains a collective effort. Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure city streets remain safe for every traveler.
THP has Statewide Motorcycle Division: Across the state, the Tennessee Highway Patrol Motorcycle Unit represents one of the agency’s most specialized enforcement teams, with troopers completing demanding advanced instruction centered on precision riding, rapid response, and roadway safety operations. Members of the unit endure extensive hands-on training that includes complex low-speed control exercises, obstacle navigation, and emergency maneuvering techniques, with the latest class of troopers successfully earning certification in March 2026. Unlike standard patrol vehicles, motorcycles provide officers with increased mobility, quicker access through congested traffic, and enhanced visibility during enforcement and public safety assignments.
