Kentucky State Police Post 4 Honors Retired Trooper Howard P. King, Sr.
MEADE COUNTY, Ky. (January 9, 2026) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 4 recently had the honor of visiting retired Trooper Howard P. King, Sr. at his home in Meade County, recognizing both his remarkable life and his service during the earliest years of the Kentucky State Police.
Trooper King, who celebrated his 99th birthday in September, was hired by the Kentucky State Police in 1948 and graduated from the second KSP Academy class in March 1949 at approximately 22 years of age. Although his formal graduation occurred in 1949, he entered service during the agency’s formative operational period.
When Trooper King first reported for duty, the now-iconic gray KSP uniform had not yet been issued. Instead, he initially wore the surplus uniform of the defunct Kentucky Highway Patrol, reflecting the transitional nature of the young agency. Throughout his life, Trooper King spoke with great pride about his time as a Kentucky State Trooper and shared fond memories of the agency and the service.
Following graduation, records indicate Trooper King served for a relatively short period—possibly fewer than three years—before being offered civilian employment providing substantially greater compensation. Prior to making his decision, he met personally with founding KSP Commissioner Guthrie Fergusson Crowe to seek guidance. Commissioner Crowe advised him, “Your family should come first.” With considerable reluctance, Trooper King resigned, a decision reflective of the difficult economic realities faced by many early troopers.
Trooper King entered service during an exceptionally demanding era. In 1948–1949, the Kentucky State Police consisted of approximately 130 troopers and 12 detectives, with fewer than 100 patrol vehicles, many in poor mechanical condition. The agency’s first budget was approximately $900,000, and a new trooper earned about $130 per month, at a time when the average family income in 1950 was roughly $3,300 per year. Statewide troop strength numbered about 200 sworn personnel, with approximately 300 total employees including civilians, and the Commonwealth was divided into just fourteen districts.
Training for early cadet classes lasted approximately three weeks. The first two weeks focused heavily on traffic law and traffic control, while the final week—conducted at Fort Knox—covered firearms and first aid instruction. According to Lloyd Alexander, a graduate of Cadet Class #2A, the entire cadet school was conducted by a single instructor. Entry and retention standards were rigorous; troopers were held to strict height, weight, and academic requirements, faced discipline or fines for significant weight changes, and were required to pass the same examination administered to military officers.
The caliber of these early troopers was notable. Many members of the first classes were decorated World War II veterans, bringing combat experience, discipline, and resilience into the fledgling agency. At least one member of the earliest classes had been wounded during the D-Day landings in Normandy, an experience that profoundly shaped the culture and professionalism of the Kentucky State Police.
Operational demands were intense. Troopers collectively traveled millions of patrol miles, investigated thousands of traffic collisions, and conducted tens of thousands of enforcement actions. Patrol speeds averaged approximately 35 miles per hour, reckless driving could be charged at 45 miles per hour, and much of the equipment was improvised—marine running lights adapted as emergency lightbars and tackle boxes converted into first aid kits. Troopers worked six ten-hour days per week and were frequently called back out after completing their shifts.
Trooper King’s original badge number was 123. He was assigned to Post 4, specifically the Irvington Station, where he drove a Ford patrol vehicle SP#171. He served in Division “A” under Captain John Watts, with Division Headquarters located in Elizabethtown, overseeing Mayfield, Madisonville, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and Louisville. A sub-post operated at Tip Top, Fort Knox. His direct supervisor was Corporal Joseph J. Sharpe, and the Division Commander was Sergeant Carl W. Baker.
Trooper King served at Post 4 alongside fallen Trooper Mack E. Brady, age 40, who was killed in the line of duty on November 9, 1966, in a vehicle crash in Henderson County while responding to a domestic disturbance call. While attempting to avoid another vehicle that entered his path, Trooper Brady’s cruiser left the roadway, struck a bridge abutment, and exploded, trapping him inside.
During the recent visit, Major David Archer, Captain Jeremy Smith, Lieutenant Brandon Brooks, CVE Lieutenant Jason Morris, and Trooper Bryan Washer, along with KSP Foundation Executive Director Alison Chavies, spent time with Trooper King and his family. The group presented him with a commemorative bottle of bourbon and shared lunch while reflecting on his life and service.
“This visit was a meaningful opportunity to honor Trooper King’s service and thank him for the foundation he helped build for the Kentucky State Police,” said Captain Jeremy Smith. “Spending time with him and his family was truly special.”
Chavies reflected on the visit stating:
“From the beginning to the end, you’re family. Visiting with Trooper King and his family was more than a gesture of gratitude, but a powerful reminder of the values, resilience, and sense of duty that continue to define this agency. Hearing his stories firsthand connected us to a chapter of KSP history that is rarely spoken and deeply humbling. His legacy, and that of his fellow early troopers, laid the foundation Kentucky State Police continues to build upon today.”
Kentucky State Police Post 4 remains committed to honoring the legacy, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who built the agency and continue to inspire those who serve today.
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