2022 Trooper, Detective and Officer of the Year Announced

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2023) – On Sept. 14, Lt. Governor Coleman and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 76 troopers and officers who wear the badge with a mission of creating a better, safer Kentucky for future generations. The awards presented were for acts of bravery and service that occurred in 2022.

KSP has approximately 940 troopers serving and protecting all Kentuckians at 16 posts located throughout the commonwealth, which is the highest number of troopers the agency has employed since 2006.

In 2022, KSP responded to nearly 400,000 requests for assistance, rescued Kentuckians from the deadly Eastern Kentucky flooding, conducted thousands of wellness checks on those involved in natural disasters and 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.

“Our troopers and officers selflessly serve all 120 counties of our great commonwealth, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman. “Last year, when Eastern Kentucky experienced deadly flooding, KSP was first on scene and spent thousands of hours rescuing families, distributing food and water, transporting Kentuckians to safety and have continued to help throughout the rebuilding process. KSP is the backbone of Kentucky’s safety and our real-life heroes.”

During yesterday’s ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. took time to recognize the officers who lost their lives in June 2022 when responding to a shooting in Floyd County; including Prestonsburg Police Captain Ralph Frasure, Prestonsburg Police Officer Jacob Chaffins, Floyd County Deputy William Petry and Floyd County K9 Drago.

“As we celebrate these exemplary efforts tonight, let us also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Commissioner Burnett. “The memory of these four units serves as a constant reminder of the risks you face every day and why we take time to recognize your heroic efforts.”

The 2022 award recipients include:

• Trooper Billy Ball was named 2022 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Ball is a 5-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 9 Pikeville.
• Detective James Royal was named 2022 Detective of the Year. Detective Royal is a 10-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 11 London.
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Mark Townsend was named the 2022 Jason Cammack Officer of the Year for the KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Trooper. Officer Townsend is a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to the CVE West Region.
• Trooper Sarah Burgess was named 2022 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Burgess is a 7-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
• Officer Stoney Shuler was named 2022 Facilities Security Officer of the Year. Officer Shuler is a 17-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Facilities Security Branch.
• Captain Jennifer Sandlin received the 2022 Service Achievement Award. Captain Sandlin is a 20-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Twelve 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.
• Sixteen troopers received the Lifesaving Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances.
• Ten troopers 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.
• Two troopers received the Guthrie Crowe Award, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency who sustain a severe wound or injury during the performance of their law enforcement duty.
• Twenty troopers were named post-level Detective of the Year at the division level.
• Twenty troopers were named post-level Trooper of the Year at the division level.
• Three Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers were named Officer of the Year at the regional level.

To view photos of the KSP overall winners, click here.

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

The Beshear-Coleman Administration has taken several steps to support law enforcement while creating safer communities.

On Aug. 11, Gov. Andy Beshear and KSP announced that 51 cadets had graduated the agency’s training academy and were now ready to report for duty across the commonwealth.

In July, the Governor and Commissioner Burnett unveiled part of the administration’s upcoming budget plan to further protect law enforcement officers while making Kentucky a leader in public safety. Gov. Beshear’s proposed budget includes an additional raise for KSP troopers and officers, increased training stipend and an improved pension system for local and state law enforcement and funding for body armor.

Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded more than $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies. On Aug. 31, the administration awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.

In April 2022, the Governor signed legislation he championed the previous year to fund a $15,000 raise for all troopers and establish paid vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, as well as enhanced health insurance contribution payments for retired KSP troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers.

For the first time in the commonwealth’s history, the Beshear-Coleman administration provided $12.2 million for KSP to purchase body cameras. Earlier this year, KSP demonstrated the new recording system, which will be distributed to approximately 780 sworn personnel.

Click here to review some of the additional actions the Beshear-Coleman administration has taken to support law enforcement, increase public safety and support crime victims.

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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