HAZARD, Ky. (September 15, 2023) – On Sept. 14, Lt. Governor Coleman and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 76 troopers and officers who wear the badge of honor to serve and protect Kentucky’s 120 with a mission of creating a better, safer Kentucky. The awards presented were for acts of bravery and service that occurred in 2022.

During the ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. recognized the agency’s troopers and officers for going beyond the mission of KSP. 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 dangers weather conditions, continued in 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.

Nine troopers from the Post 13 area were included in those honors.

• Senior Trooper Branden Watts was named 2022 Post 13 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Watts is a 7-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Detective Anthony Trotter was named 2022 Post 13 Detective of the Year. Detective Trotter is a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Captain Jennifer Sandlin received the Service Achievement Award. Captain Sandlin is a 20-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Trooper Bruce Kelley received the Lifesaving Medal. Trooper Kelley is a
• Sergeant James Gross received the Lifesaving Medal. Sergeant Gross is a 30-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Trooper Bradley Couch received the Guthrie Crowe Award. Trooper Couch is an 8-year veteran assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Trooper Jeremy Moore received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Service. Trooper Moore is a 9-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.
• Trooper Kevin Day received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Achievement. Trooper Day is a 4-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

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

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