NEWS RELEASE
MAYFIELD, 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 counties 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.
Post 1 Commander, Captain David Archer remarked, “Each of this year’s award recipients are to be commended for their hard work and, in some cases, decisive actions that saved the lives of their fellow Kentuckians. These awards truly showcased the service our post is known for with the awarding of three lifesaving medals and one meritorious service to troopers, as well as the post level Trooper and Detective of the year being recognized. Words cannot fully capture the efforts and dedication of those recognized this year.
Two state-wide awards were bestowed upon post 1 residents, Senior Trooper Sarah Burgess and Master Officer Mark Townsend.
Senior Trooper Burgess was honored as the agency Public Affairs Officers (PAO) of the year. Being recognized for her work during the 2021 tornado, her commitment to the agency objectives of education and recruitment, and her relentless dedication to public service through the same.
Master Officer Mark Townsend’s receipt of the “Jason Cammack – CVE Officer of the Year” is a fitting honor for a true public servant. The post 1 district benefits daily from his expertise and professionalism.”
Eight troopers and officers from the Post 1 area were included in those honors.
- Trooper Landon Stewart was named 2022 Post 1 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Stewart is a 4-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
- Detective Adam Jones was named 2022 Post 1 Detective of the Year. Detective Jones is an 8-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
- 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.
- Master Officer Mark Townsend was named 2022 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement West Region and KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer of the Year. Officer Townsend is a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement West Region.
- Detective Janet Barnett received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Service. Trooper Barnett is a 24-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Forensic Services Division.
- Trooper Mike Ray received the Lifesaving Medal. Trooper Ray is a 28-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
- Trooper Lewie Dodd received the Lifesaving Medal. Trooper Dodd is a 25-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
- Trooper Derek Scott received the Lifesaving Medal. Trooper Scott is a 10-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
A complete listing of award recipients can be found on the KSP website.
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