Kentucky State Police Enhances Public Safety With Promotion of 31 Troopers and Officers

Friday, November 3, 2023 at 9:10 AM

Creating a better, safer Kentucky now and into the future

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Today, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey and Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. recognized 31 troopers and officers who have been promoted into leadership roles since May 16, 2023, including one lieutenant colonel, five majors, two captains, 10 lieutenants and 13 sergeants, with a mission of creating a better Kentucky through public safety efforts and service to all Kentuckians.

“Congratulations to these brave troopers and officers who have dedicated their careers to serving and protecting our families across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Our Kentucky State troopers and officers are heroes who sacrifice daily so that we can build a safer and better Kentucky and I am so grateful to each and every one of them.”

Secretary Harvey attended the ceremony on behalf of Gov. Andy Beshear to congratulate and honor these law enforcement officials who risk their lives in protection of the commonwealth.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our Kentucky state troopers and officers who protect the commonwealth,” said Secretary Harvey. “We look forward to watching these promoted troopers and officers serve in leadership roles to create a safer Kentucky for all.”

During the ceremony, Commissioner Burnett challenged the newly promoted troopers and officers to lead with integrity: “True leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about caring for those in your charge. It’s about inspiring and empowering others to achieve greatness through integrity. I’m proud of the dedication you have put into this promotional process and look forward to seeing you lead this agency into the future.”

The newly promoted 31 troopers and officers include:

Captain Jeremy S. Hamm was promoted to lieutenant colonel and is assigned to the Office of Administrative Services Division.
Captain Bradley M. Arterburn was promoted to major and is assigned to the Office of Technical Services, Division of Records Management.
Captain Emily R. Horton was promoted to major and is assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
Captain Marshall B. Johnson was promoted to major and is assigned to the Office of Administrative Services, Executives Services.
Captain Michael (Todd) Kidd was promoted to major and is assigned to the Office of Technical Services, Division of Electronic Services.
Captain Roger (Chris) Short was promoted to major and is assigned to the Office of Operations, Division of Special Enforcement.
Lieutenant Christopher R. Baker was promoted to captain and is assigned to the Driver Testing Branch.
Lieutenant Joseph A. Vorbeck was promoted to captain and is assigned to the Academy Branch.
Sergeant Brandon L. Brooks was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green.
Sergeant Tye D. Chavies was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned the Internal Affairs Branch.
Sergeant Randy N. Combs was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Sergeant Eric D. Fields was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
Sergeant Charles R. Hedgespeth was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Academy Branch.
Sergeant Jeremy D. Mabe was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green.
Sergeant Robert R. Purdy was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Internal Affairs Branch.
Sergeant Alison J. Ramsey was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Security Branch.
Sergeant Michael R. Robichaud was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Sergeant Rufus D. Shearer was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Driver’s Testing Branch.
Trooper Zachary K. Alsip was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Trooper Mark A. Branham was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 5 Campbellsburg.
Trooper Michael J. Caudill was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 12 Frankfort.
Trooper Jared A. Clemons was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 16 Henderson.
Trooper Michael C. Cook was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
Trooper Cory D. Elliott was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Health and Wellness Branch.
Trooper Keith R. Howard was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Trooper Bobby R. Roberts was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 1 Mayfield.
Trooper Levi J. Scott was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 15 Columbia.
Trooper Leo D. Slone was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green.
Trooper Rodney D. Sturgill was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 12 Frankfort.
Trooper Travis R. Sturgill was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Trooper Issac T. Whitaker was promoted to sergeant and is assigned to Post 7 Richmond.

KSP is accepting applications for new troopers to join Team Kentucky. To apply to become a trooper, visit the KSP website. For questions or more information about the application process, email KSPRecruit@ky.gov.

The Beshear-Coleman Administration has taken several steps to support law enforcement while creating safer communities.

On Aug. 11, Gov. Andy Beshear and KSP announced that 51 cadets had graduated the agency’s training academy and were now ready to report for duty across the commonwealth.

In July, the Governor and Commissioner Burnett unveiled part of the administration’s upcoming budget plan to further protect law enforcement officers while making Kentucky a leader in public safety. Gov. Beshear’s proposed budget includes an additional raise for KSP troopers and officers, increased training stipend and an improved pension system for local and state law enforcement and funding for body armor.

Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded more than $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies. On Aug. 31, the administration awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.

In April 2022, the Governor signed legislation he championed the previous year to fund a $15,000 raise for all troopers and establish paid vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, as well as enhanced health insurance contribution payments for retired KSP troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers.

For the first time in the commonwealth’s history, the Beshear-Coleman administration provided $12.2 million for KSP to purchase body cameras. Earlier this year, KSP demonstrated the new recording system, which will be distributed to approximately 780 sworn personnel.

Click here to review some of the additional actions the Beshear-Coleman administration has taken to support law enforcement, increase public safety and support crime victims.

For more information about KSP’s commitment of 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.

To view photos from the ceremony, click here.