LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 23, 2026) – Today, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers who went above and beyond the call of service in 2025. The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations.
“Every single day, the brave men and women of the Kentucky State Police put duty above self to make our communities safer,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The troopers and officers being recognized today exemplify that commitment to our commonwealth. Thank you for your unyielding dedication.”
In 2025, KSP responded to 532,600 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators, secured justice for victims and assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed to promote safety throughout the commonwealth.
Among today’s honorees were the 22 troopers who took action during the aftermath of the May 16, 2025, EF-4 tornado to rescue numerous Kentuckians in dangerous conditions. This powerful tornado was on the ground for nearly 60 miles through Laurel, Pulaski and Russell counties. The National Weather Service found it to be one of the strongest tornadoes to ever impact this area, and the deadliest, killing 19 Kentuckians and leaving communities in rubble.
“During the May tornado, our troopers truly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by running toward the victims and survivors trapped in debris,” Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “Because of their heroic actions, the lives of countless Kentuckians were saved.”
The 2025 award recipients include:
Trooper Derek Dennis was named 2025 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Dennis is a 1-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 11, London.
Detective Dexter Colvin was named 2025 Detective of the Year. Detective Colvin is a 9-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 15, Columbia.
Trooper Robert Dials was named the recipient of the 2025 Jason Cammack Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Award. Trooper Dials is a 13-year veteran of KSP assigned to the CVE East Region.
Trooper Jonathan Houk was named 2025 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Houk is a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 15, Columbia.
Officer Gregory Baxter was named 2025 Facilities Security Officer of the Year. Officer Baxter is a 12-year veteran of KSP.
Bradley “Bo” Cure received the 2025 Career Service Achievement Award. Sgt. Cure is a 27-year veteran of KSP assigned to the East Region of the Drug Enforcement Special Investigation Branch.
Trooper Jude Remilien received the 2025 Guthrie Crowe Award, which is named in honor of the first KSP commissioner and is bestowed upon troopers or officers who sustain a severe wound or injury during the performance of their law enforcement duty. Trooper Remilien is a 4-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Public Affairs Branch.
Eight 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.
Twelve troopers received the Lifesaving Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances.
Twenty-four troopers received KSP Meritorious Awards, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency who distinguish themselves by an act of courage performed under more than ordinary circumstances.
Nineteen troopers were named post-level detectives of the year.
Eighteen troopers were named post-level troopers of the year.
Two officers and one trooper were named region-level Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers of the year.
A complete list of award recipients is available on the KSP website.
KSP is looking to recruit the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Individuals interested in a career of service, leadership and honor are encouraged to apply today at JoinKSP.com.
The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor’s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.
The 2024 Crime in Kentucky report, released in June, shows that, from 2024 to 2025, reports of serious crime decreased by 8.14%.
Since Gov. Beshear took office, more than 2,700 officers have graduated from one of Kentucky’s law enforcement training academies. As of the beginning of this month, 1,837 officers have graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Basic Training Course and 307 have graduated from the Kentucky State Police Training Academy.
To continue increasing the amount of law enforcement officers protecting the commonwealth and to support the work of KSP, the Governor recently signed Senate Bill 102 to make it possible for retired KSP troopers appointed to Trooper R Class or commercial vehicle enforcement to return and serve the agency within specific timeframes.
In April, Team Kentucky broke ground on the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s new Madisonville campus. When completed, the $50 million project will house two buildings – a 42,800-square-foot classroom and administration building providing learning space, offices and recruit showers and changing areas, as well as a 30,625-square-foot high bay building, which will house an open training area, additional classroom space and gym equipment. The recently passed 2026-2028 state budget also allocates $13.1 million to construct a driving track at the new facility. The General Assembly did not include the full $64.8 million requested by the Governor in his executive budget proposal to construct both a driving track and an indoor firing range at the Madisonville facility.
For four straight years, overdose deaths have decreased in Kentucky. In 2025, the commonwealth saw 22.9% fewer overdose deaths than the year prior.
Since Gov. Beshear took office, fewer Kentuckians have returned to prison after their release. For two years in a row, recidivism rates in the commonwealth have decreased, meaning that nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned.
In December, the Governor joined KSP and first responders in Mayfield to bring local agencies onto the new Kentucky State Police radio system. In his 2026-2028 executive budget proposal, Gov. Beshear requested funding to finish the project and ensure statewide coverage. The budget recently passed by the General Assembly did not provide the funding needed.
Last September, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined KSP to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art Drivers’ Skills Pad at the agency’s training academy in Frankfort. The $2.7 million project will provide troopers, officers and cadets with a facility dedicated to safely practice and refine advanced driving techniques.
In April of last year, Gov. Beshear was joined by members of the Cash family, the Kentucky law enforcement community and the Department of Criminal Justice Training to officially open the doors to the new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty. The facility is a 42,794-square-foot facility with a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed for officers to learn intensive and specialized training that will support training all of Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies.
As the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense.
For more information about KSP’s commitment to 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.
Editor’s Note: photo identification (left to right) Trooper Jonathan Houk, Trooper Derek Dennis, Trooper Robert Dials Jr., Officer Gregory Baxter, Detective Dexter Colvin and Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr.
(Sherry Bray – Kentucky State Police)