Gov. Beshear: Kentucky State Police Honors Troopers and Officers at Annual Awards Ceremony

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 55 troopers and officers who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations. The awards presented on Thursday were for heroic acts of service that occurred in 2023.

“Every day the Kentucky State Police recommits themselves to making our state a national leader in public safety,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I am thankful for the sacrifices they have made as they respond to critical emergencies, remove illegal drugs off our streets, protect our children from online predators, save victims from human trafficking and help our Kentuckians in their greatest time of need. We are creating a new Kentucky home, and it is thanks to KSP’s service and protection of all.”

The Governor believes every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community, workplaces and schools, and he has taken steps to increase public safety. KSP has more than 1,000 sworn personnel wearing the badge of honor, which is the highest number of troopers the agency has employed since 2017.

In 2023, KSP responded to 407,493 requests for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, continued the fight against the deadly drug epidemic, obtained justice for victims, ran into unthinkable dangers, assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed and enhanced public and officer safety throughout the commonwealth.

During the ceremony, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson and KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. commended the agency’s troopers and officers for going above and beyond.

“I am thankful to serve alongside you in the quest to make our streets safer and our commonwealth more secure,” Secretary Jackson said. “Your tireless efforts have reduced overdose deaths, created safer schools, secured our highways, located dangerous individuals who wish harm on our communities and held up our fellow Kentuckians in their darkest hour. Thank you for never giving up, thank you for showing up every day to do it all over again and thank you for loving your neighbor so much that you have chosen to stand between danger so that Kentucky is safer.”

“Tonight, we recognize the dedication, bravery and extraordinary efforts of our troopers and officers,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “Whether it was a heroic act in the face of danger, an exceptional investigation that led to justice or a moment of compassion that made a lasting impact, each of you have demonstrated what it means to serve with honor.”

The 2023 award recipients include:

• Trooper Colt McGuire was named 2023 Trooper of the Year. Trooper McGuire is a 4-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 5.
• Detective Anthony Hardin was named 2023 Detective of the Year. Detective Hardin is a 14-year veteran of KSP assigned to DESI West.
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Michael Smith was named the 2023 Jason Cammack Officer of the Year for the KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troop. Officer Smith is a 15-year veteran of KSP assigned to the CVE West Region.
• Trooper Jonathan Houk was named 2023 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Houk is a 14-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 15.
• Officer Samantha Snyder was named 2023 Facilities Security Officer of the Year. Officer Smith is a 3-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Facilities Security Branch.
• Captain Randal Surber received the 2023 Service Achievement Award. Captain Surber is a 21-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 9.
• 8 troopers were awarded the KSP Citation for Bravery, an honor bestowed on officers who perform acts of bravery without regard for personal risk despite clear and obvious peril and clearly above and beyond the call or risk of ordinary duty.
• 2 troopers received the Lifesaving Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances.
• 1 trooper received the Meritorious Award, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency who distinguish themselves by an act of courage performed under more than ordinary circumstances.
• 19 troopers were named post-level Detective of the Year at the division level.
• 19 troopers were named post-level Trooper of the Year at the division level.
• 3 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers were named Officer of the Year at the regional level.

A complete listing of award recipients can be found on KSP’s website.

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 $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day.

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.

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Editor’s Note: identification (left to right) Detective Anthony Hardin II, Trooper Jonathan Houk, Trooper Colt McGuire and Officer Michael Smith. Not pictured: Officer Samantha Synder.