Elizabethtown, KY. (July 22, 2021) – Executive Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown joined Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. to recognize 58 KSP troopers and officers for their professionalism and dedication to duty at a ceremony in Lexington. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the award ceremony, originally scheduled to take place in 2020, was postponed. The achievement awards presented at the ceremony were for acts of service that occurred 2019.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. praised troopers and officers for going above the call of duty and placing service above self.

“Tonight, we honor troopers and officers who have went above the call,” said Burnett. “From lifesaving rescues to acts of bravery during critical incidents, your efforts have impacted the lives of the citizens you serve.”

Post 4 troopers were included in those honors.
Trooper Alex K. Ware was named Post 4 Trooper of the Year. A 6-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is currently assigned to Post 4 Elizabethtown.

Detective Bryan J. Washer was named Post 4 Detective of the Year. A 11-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is currently assigned to Post 4 Elizabethtown.

Trooper Samuel O. Shacklette received the Guthrie Crowe Award, which is named for the first commissioner of the Kentucky State Police and is bestowed upon officers of the agency who sustain a severe wound or injury while in the performance of duty. On August 30, 2014, while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in southern Bullitt County, Tpr. Shacklette was struck by a SUV while standing outside his vehicle and was thrown approximately 50 feet. His injuries included a fractured back and internal bleeding along with months of recovery. A 23-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is currently assigned to Post 4 Elizabethtown.

Post Commander Daniel White said, “Troopers Alex Ware, Bryan Washer, and Sam Shacklette are all very deserving of the awards they received. These men are exemplary Troopers representing the best of the Kentucky State Police. We are extremely proud of all they’ve accomplished and their professionalism while doing so”.

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