The Tennessee Highway Patrol has announced that DeKalb County native Eric McCormick has been promoted to Sergeant for the counties of Smith and DeKalb in the Cookeville District.McCormick began his career with the THP in March of 1997.After completing the THP Academy, he was assigned to a road position in Putnam County.McCormick has remained in Putnam County for the past 16 years.Throughout his career he has served on several special assignments from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration to local special events.McCormick has served on the Riot Control Unit and is a Crash Reconstructionist.He has acquired several certifications during his career and is an instructor in various areas within the department.McCormick has escorted Tennessee Tech Football Coach Watson Brown for the past six years.He is a 2005 Graduate of the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command.Prior to becoming a trooper with the State of Tennessee, he was a deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.McCormick, his wife Connie and three children, Grant, Grace, and Gaylin, reside in Putnam County.McCormick replaces Lt. Mark Dial who was promoted and is now stationed in Putnam County as Midnight Lieutenant.