BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (September 16, 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.

Four troopers from the Post 3 area were included in those honors.

• Trooper Joe Gregory was named 2022 Post 3 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Gregory retired and was an 18-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green.
• Detective Jason Lanham was named 2022 Post 3 Detective of the Year. Detective Lanham is an 18-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green.
• Trooper Richard Ellis was named 2022 West Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations Unit Trooper of the Year. Trooper Ellis is a 6-year veteran of KSP assigned to the West Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations Unit.
• Detective John Jenkin was named 2022 West Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations Unit Detective of the Year and received the Lifesaving Medal. Detective Jenkin is a 14-year veteran of KSP assigned to the West Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations Unit.
• A complete listing of award recipients can be found on the KSP website.

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