Lt. Gov. Coleman, Kentucky State Police Enhance Public Safety With Promotion of Troopers and Officers

Creating a better, safer Kentucky now and into the future

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. recognized 19 troopers and officers who have been promoted into leadership roles since Nov. 1, 2023, including one major, one captain, three lieutenants and 14 sergeants, with a mission of creating a better Kentucky through public safety efforts and service.

“We owe our gratitude to all Kentucky State Police troopers and officers who serve to protect the commonwealth,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “With each situation they respond to, they provide safety and empathy to their neighbors and community members. They are some of the best of Team Kentucky.”

Gov. Andy Beshear provided a video message recognizing the hard work and dedication of the nineteen leaders who were promoted as they continue to serve daily in the name of enhancing public safety for all Kentuckians.

Commissioner Burnett encouraged the newly promoted troopers and officers at the ceremony to lead with integrity.

“Real leadership isn’t about holding authority; it’s about caring for those under your guidance,” said Commissioner Burnett. “It’s about inspiring and empowering others to achieve excellence through integrity. I’m proud of your dedication throughout this promotional process and look forward to seeing you move our agency forward.”

The newly promoted 19 troopers and officers include:

• Capt. Eric J. Walker was promoted to major and is assigned to the Office of Operations, Division of East Troop.
• Lt. Derek A. Cundiff was promoted to captain and is assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Central Region.
• Sgt. Christopher D. Marcum was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Internal Affairs Branch.
• Sgt. Zachary E. Lusk was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Aircraft Branch.
• Sgt. Barrett M. Brewer was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned Post 5, Campbellsburg.
• Trooper Robert W. King was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.
• Trooper Samuel B. Lawson was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 16, Henderson.
• Trooper Nathan M. Clinkenbeard was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 1, Mayfield.
• Trooper Todd M. Coleman was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Special Operations Branch.
• Trooper Joshua L. Neace was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
• Officer Kalin L. Caudill was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement East Region.
• Trooper Curtis L. Crick was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 16, Henderson.
• Trooper Brian D. Hill was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 1, Mayfield.
• Trooper Clinton D. Bale was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 4, Elizabethtown.
• Trooper Jennifer R. Johnson was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 5, Campbellsburg.
• Trooper Andrew W. Lee was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 5, Campbellsburg.
• Trooper Jacob A. Harper was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 3, Bowling Green.
• Trooper Timothye K. Moffett was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Executive Security Branch.
• Officer Billie Jo Shaver was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Facilities Security Branch.

KSP is accepting applications for new troopers to join Team Kentucky. To apply to become a trooper, visit the KSP website. For questions or more information about the application process, email KSPRecruit@ky.gov.

The Beshear-Coleman administration has taken several steps to support law enforcement while creating safer communities.

In June, the Beshear-Coleman administration announced that 37 troopers graduated from the KSP training academy and were ready to serve the commonwealth, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow Kentuckians in law enforcement and reduce crime. The next cadet class is slated to begin in November, and the academy received a record number of applications.

Gov. Beshear has also supported training for local law enforcement officers by raising the current training stipend to an all-time high, and the state supported the construction of a new training facility in Richmond.

Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $12 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies with enhancing public and officer safety, curbing the sale of illegal drugs and fighting addiction. As the administration remains committed to removing illicit drugs and further decreasing drug overdose deaths, in September, Gov. Beshear awarded more than $1.7 million in grant funding to Kentucky’s law enforcement, drug task forces and nonprofit organizations to purchase crucial resources, provide drug prevention programming to community residents, offer counseling to crime victims, ensure officers receive specialized training and work with individuals leaving incarceration for successful reentry skills.

Last year, the Governor proposed a $500 increase to the law enforcement annual training stipend, but the General Assembly chose to provide a combined $262 increase over the next two years. The budget signed by the Governor raises the training stipend to an all-time high of $4,562 by fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the Governor is providing part-time law enforcement officers an annual training stipend for the first time in the history of the commonwealth.

Last year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce. 

Also, as the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense.

For more information about KSP’s commitment of creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here. 

# # #