Lexington, Kentucky, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky State Police recently held its annual Sworn Awards Ceremony in Lexington, recognizing 61 officers for their outstanding service and heroic acts. KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. emphasized the importance of recognizing dedication to public safety, while Governor Andy Beshear noted the agency’s crucial role in enhancing community safety. With the continued growth of personnel, the KSP aims to promote a safer Kentucky through acts of bravery and community compassion.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) celebrated remarkable achievements in law enforcement at their annual Sworn Awards Ceremony held recently in Lexington. A total of 61 troopers, detectives, and officers were honored for their exceptional service during 2024, recognizing heroic acts and dedication to public safety across all 120 counties in the state.
The event draws attention to the gallant efforts of the KSP personnel, with KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. highlighting the significance of acknowledging officers who go beyond the call of duty. Governor Andy Beshear also underscored the police’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and cited the KSP’s vital role in establishing Kentucky as a leader in this domain.
This year’s awards spotlighted specific acts of bravery and commitment among KSP officers, including facing critical dangers, conducting determined investigations, and demonstrating exceptional compassion towards the community. The annual ceremony serves not only to celebrate past achievements but also aims to cultivate a safer environment for future generations in the Commonwealth.
KSP has seen an increase in its personnel, boasting over 1,000 sworn members, the highest count since 2017. This growing workforce is crucial for maintaining law enforcement and executing effective police work throughout Kentucky.
Recognitions Across the State
A significant number of officers from various KSP posts received accolades. Notably, eight officers from KSP Post 3 located in Bowling Green were honored, demonstrating their commitment to serving that particular region. KSP Post 4 based in Elizabethtown also marked its presence at the ceremony with several award recipients, including Detective Bryan Washer, Trooper Mathew Hendricks, and Trooper Jesse Harp.
Diverse Award Categories
The awards presented encompassed a range of categories recognizing different facets of police work. These include bravery in the face of danger, diligent investigations that led to successful resolutions, and outstanding acts of kindness and support provided to community members in need.
Background and Importance of the Awards
The KSP’s annual Sworn Awards Ceremony has become a tradition that exemplifies the value placed on excellence, bravery, and dedication among law enforcement personnel. The recognition aimed at encouraging officers strengthens community relations and promotes a spirit of camaraderie among law enforcement teams throughout Kentucky.
With communities increasingly focused on safety and well-being, such events serve as crucial reminders of the hard work and sacrifices made by these individuals each day to protect and serve their fellow citizens.
Conclusion
The awards presented during the ceremony reflect the high standards and commitment that KSP strives for in its mission. These officers embody the spirit of dedication necessary to make Kentucky a safer place to live, work, and grow.
FAQs
What is the KSP’s annual Sworn Awards Ceremony?
The KSP’s annual Sworn Awards Ceremony honors troopers, detectives, and officers for their exceptional service and heroic acts performed throughout the year.
How many officers were honored at the 2024 ceremony?
A total of 61 troopers, detectives, and officers were recognized during the ceremony for their dedication and service.
What types of acts are recognized at the ceremony?
The ceremony recognizes a variety of acts, including bravery in dangerous situations, successful investigations, and acts of compassion toward the community.
Where does KSP operate?
The Kentucky State Police operates across all 120 counties in the state, ensuring public safety and law enforcement.
Why is this ceremony important?
This ceremony is significant as it promotes accountability, excellence, and encourages law enforcement personnel, enhancing community relations in Kentucky.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | KSP Annual Sworn Awards Ceremony |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Year of Ceremony | 2024 |
| Total Honored Officers | 61 |
| Major KSP Posts Involved | Post 3 (Bowling Green), Post 4 (Elizabethtown), Post 15 (Columbia) |
| KSP Personnel Size | Over 1,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The News Enterprise
- WNKY
- WLKY
- WBKO
- The Anderson News
- Wikipedia: Kentucky State Police
- Google Search: Kentucky State Police awards
- Google Scholar: Kentucky State Police
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky State Police
- Google News: Kentucky State Police
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
