Kentucky State Police Post 9 Enhances Public Safety with 2 New Troopers

Equipped to serve, trained to lead, ready to protect

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (May 4, 2025) — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the graduation of 33 cadets from the KSP Training Academy. These troopers will begin their new public safety careers in communities throughout the commonwealth. Two of the graduates will be serving at KSP Post 9.

KSP Post 9 Captain Randal Surber is excited to welcome new troopers to Pikeville. Captain Surber said, “We are proud to welcome them not only to our agency, but more specifically to our Post district. We look forward to the positive impact they will make in serving and protecting our communities. This marks one of many special milestones in their journey—and the beginning of what we hope will be a long, successful, and rewarding career in law enforcement.”

Cadet Class 105 arrived at the KSP Academy on Nov. 10, beginning 24 weeks of demanding instruction and hands-on training required to become a state trooper. Cadet Class 105 underwent more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.

 Cadet Class 105 graduates assigned to Post 9 are: 

Timothy Fletcher, Salyersville, Ky.

Nicholas Howell, Betsy Layne, Ky.

Seventeen cadets earned their associate degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College during their 24-weeks at the training academy. These cadets benefited from the new hiring guidelines established by the state legislature in 2017. Through this revision, anyone who possesses a high school diploma or GED, and has three years of full-time work experience can apply for employment as a KSP Trooper and earn an associate degree during the training process. Post 9 trooper Timothy Fletcher earned his associate degree.

These graduating cadets will uphold KSP’s mission to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.

The Kentucky State Police remain committed to building a professional, diverse, and well-equipped workforce that enhances public safety across the commonwealth. Cadet Class 106 begins August 10, 2025. Those interested in becoming a Kentucky State Police Trooper are encouraged to visit our website.

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