(FRANKFORT, Ky.)—Thirty-six new state troopers received diplomas during Kentucky State Police Academy graduation ceremonies in Frankfort. With their addition to the force, the agency strength reaches a total of 966 sworn officers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.

“Today, these cadets cross into the Thin Gray Line, and become a part of one of the state’s premier law enforcement agencies,” said Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence, secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. “Completing the Kentucky State Police Academy is a rigorous endeavor that requires patience, sacrifice and a deep commitment to a greater service. The commonwealth proudly recognizes the accomplishments of these dedicated individuals and welcomes them into the ranks of the Kentucky State Police.”

“The distinctive gray uniform and campaign hat of the Kentucky State Police are earned, not given,” said Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller. “Last October, the cadets in this class started 22 weeks of training. They faced many mental, physical and emotional challenges since then. Thirty-six cadets completed the training and graduated today. They deserve a salute for achieving this goal.”

“Recruiting and training new troopers is a constant effort,” Miller added. “Last year, 44 sworn officers retired from the agency. Forty have retired since this current class started training. To maintain our strength and quality standards, we’re always looking for good people who want to make a difference with a career as a Kentucky state trooper.”

Several members of the class earned special recognition including valedictorian John Hawkins, of Gautier, Miss. and salutatorian Andy Olson, of Greensburg, Ky. Jason McLellan, of Feds Creek, Ky., received the Ernie Bivens Award, an honor presented to the cadet who, in the opinion of the Kentucky State Police Academy staff supported by input from the cadets themselves, distinguishes themself as a class leader, strives for academic excellence and has excelled in all phases of the academy’s physical and vocational training.

The following is a list of the new troopers, their hometowns and their duty assignments:

Cadet                                    Hometown                           Assignment
Toney Allen                            Berea                                     Morehead
Jim Anderson                         Pikeville                                  Pikeville
Eric Barnett                            Corbin                                    Dry Ridge
Eric Bowman                          Cynthiana                               Campbellsburg
Jason Brown                          Louisville                                Campbellsburg
Chris Burton                           Corbin                                   Morehead
John Collins                           Banner                                   Pikeville
Jay Cottrell                            Hopkinsville                            Morehead
Michael Davis                         Springfield                              Henderson
Michael Dennis                       Oak Grove                              Mayfield
Michael Fogleman                   Maysville                                Morehead
Joe Gregory                           Lewisburg                              Mayfield
John Hawkins                        Gautier, Miss.                          Dry Ridge
Paul Herron                           Owensboro                             Henderson
Austin Hicks                           Pinetop                                  Pikeville
Keith Howard                         S. Webster, Ohio                     Morehead
Kevin Johnson                        Louisville                               Campbellsburg
Zachary Jones                        Winslow, Ind.                         Henderson
Daniel Jones                          Scottsville                               Mayfield
Dan Kneaskern                       Johnson City, Tenn.                Dry Ridge
William Lake                          Berea                                     Morehead
Jason Lanham                        Dawson Springs                      Bowling Green
Brian Lee                               Liberty                                   Pikeville
Jason McLellan                       Feds Creek                             Pikeville
Brandon McPherson                Belton                                    Bowling Green
James Newkirk                       Brownsville                             Pikeville
Corey Nokes                          Shepardsville                           Campbellsburg
Andy Olson                            Greensburg                            Columbia
Chris Phillips                          Phyllis                                    Pikeville
Joshua Preece                        Morehead                               Pikeville
Eugene Robinson                   Mount Vernon                         Morehead
Richard Saint-Blancard            Petersburg                              Dry Ridge
Ivan Sewell                           Glasgow                                  Pikeville
Bryan Shepard                       Bethelridge                              Pikeville
Jeremy Smith                        Nancy                                     Bowling Green
Salvatore Zagami                   Louisville                                 Campbellsburg

For information about how to become a Kentucky State Police Trooper, contact the KSP Recruitment Branch at 502-695-6320 or visit the KSP web site at www.kentuckystatepolice.org.

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