HENDERSON, Ky. (September 9, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) held its annual sworn awards ceremony in Lexington to honor 75 troopers and officers who put on a uniform each day to patrol Kentucky’s neighborhoods with a mission of serving and protecting their fellow citizens. The achievement awards presented were for acts of bravery and service that occurred in 2021.

During the ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. recognized the agency’s troopers and officers for going beyond the mission of KSP in 2021 to protect and serve the citizens of the commonwealth by responding to two historic natural disasters, running into unthinkable dangers, assisting with the continued fight against the deadly drug epidemic and answering thousands of calls for service.

One trooper from the Post 16 was included in the ceremony.

Trooper Joseph Richling was named 2021 Post 16 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Richling is a four-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 16-Henderson.

Post 16 Commander Brenton Ford said “Trooper Richling has a passion for both drug and traffic enforcement and his actions have undoubtedly helped carry out the mission of the Kentucky State Police by enhancing highway safety and deterring crime. Trooper Richling’s excellent work ethic has driven him to excel in all aspects of his duties. Trooper Richling’s accomplishments define his character and work ethic, making him worthy of the title Trooper of the Year”.

KSP’s focus this year is to maintain and strengthen its essential workforce in order to better provide public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities that KSP serves. 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.

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