{"id":69821,"date":"2026-10-30T13:08:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T17:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/?p=69821"},"modified":"2026-10-30T13:08:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T17:08:08","slug":"hq-10-30-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/news\/hq-10-30-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Gov. Beshear, Kentucky State Police Celebrate Graduation of 40 New Troopers Ready To Protect and Serve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cadet Class 107 graduates to serve at Posts across the commonwealth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026)<\/strong> -Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to honor 40 cadets graduating from the KSP Training Academy, marking the start of their careers as state troopers serving communities across the commonwealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you for your hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to service above self each and every day,\u201d Gov. Beshear<\/strong> said. \u201cAll of Kentucky is grateful for the role you will play in keeping our communities safe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadet Class 107 reported to the KSP Academy on May 17<\/a> and completed 24 weeks of intensive academic instruction and practical training designed to prepare them for the challenges of modern law enforcement. Cadets in the class underwent more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During today\u2019s ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr.<\/strong> commended Cadet Class 107 for their dedication to complete the academy and answer the call to serve the commonwealth: \u201cBecoming a Kentucky State Police Trooper takes grit, determination and a genuine commitment to the people we serve. Each member of this class has demonstrated the ability to rise to challenges and uphold the expectations of this profession.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capt. Joey Vorbeck<\/strong>, commander of the KSP Academy, spoke to the importance of developing troopers who possess not only the knowledge and skills needed for the job, but also the judgment and character required to lead and serve: \u201cThroughout their 24 weeks of training, these cadets have faced demanding physical challenges, rigorous coursework and situations that tested their resolve. They have demonstrated tremendous growth and earned the opportunity to take the next step in their careers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadet Class 107 graduates and their assigned posts are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 1, MAYFIELD<\/strong>
<\/strong>Peter Joseph Rougeux, Hilton Head Island, S.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 2, MADISONVILLE<\/strong>      
Eddie Caudill, Hopkinsville, Ky.
Christian Crase, Ardmore, Okla.
Trey Lovell, Greenville, Ky.
Avery Grant Mefford, Browder, Ky.
Kelley Seitz, Oak Grove, Ky.
Roy Wilson, Nortonville, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 3, BOWLING GREEN<\/strong>
Blake Aaron Hensley, Glasgow, Ky.
Austin Stinson, Scottsville, Ky.
Daniel Wright, Glasgow, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 4, ELIZABETHTOWN <\/strong>
<\/strong>Anthony Cromer, Berea, Ky.
Kaden Henry, Louisville, Ky.
Joseph Moeggenborg, Marquette, Mich.
Peyton Nash, Leitchfield, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 5, CAMPBELLSBURG <\/strong>
<\/strong>Jack Thomas Harris, La Grange, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 6, DRY RIDGE<\/strong>
Dylan Clise, Morehead, Ky.
Logan Hurt, Frenchburg, Ky.
Patrick Smith, Jacksonville, N.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 7, RICHMOND<\/strong>
Jonathan Collett, Annville, Ky.
Grayson Domidion, Lancaster, Ky.
Riley Mullins, Jackson, Ky.
Tyler Whitaker, Beattyville, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 8, MOREHEAD <\/strong>
<\/strong>Ryan Davidson, London, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 10, HARLAN <\/strong>
<\/strong>Austin Lewis, Corbin, Ky.
Toni McCombs, Barbourville, Ky.
Jason Nunley, Williamsburg, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 11, LONDON <\/strong>
<\/strong>Zachary Chesnut, London, Ky.
Jacob Loudermilk, Mount Vernon, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 14, ASHLAND <\/strong>
<\/strong>Cayden Bennett, Ashland, Ky.
Tristan Bingham, Mouthcard, Ky.
Aiden Fields, Millstone, Ky.
Logan Lundy, Raceland, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 15, COLUMBIA <\/strong>
<\/strong>Austin Blakeman, Greensburg, Ky.
Adam Melson, Jamestown, Ky.
Maddox Mink, Somerset, Ky.
Zachary Smith, Campbellsville, Ky.
Seth Stockon, Albany, Ky.
Tristan Thomas, Somerset, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post 16, HENDERSON<\/strong>
Camden Greer, Boonville, Ind.
Jermaine Poynter Jr., Henderson, Ky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several members of the graduating class received special recognition during the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trooper Peyton Nash received the \u201cErnie Bivens Award.\u201d This honor is presented to a cadet who, in the opinion of the KSP Academy and fellow cadets, shows distinction as a leader, strives for academic excellence and has excelled in all phases of the academy\u2019s physical and vocational training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The class Valedictorian award, which includes a new 2026 Dodge Durango police cruiser, was awarded to Trooper Peter Rougeux. The Salutatorian was awarded to Trooper Tristan Thomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trooper Christian Crase received the \u201cCommissioner\u2019s Commitment to Excellence Award.\u201d This is presented to the cadet who has demonstrated leadership, the desire to get the job done and is determined to be the best each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirteen cadets earned their associate degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from Bluegrass Community and Technical College during their 24 weeks at the training academy. These cadets benefited from the new hiring guidelines established by the state legislature in 2017. Through this revision, anyone who possesses a high school diploma or GED, and has three years of full-time work experience can apply for employment as a KSP Trooper and earn an associate degree during the training process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadet Class 107 graduates who earned an associate degree while at the training academy are:<\/strong>
Cayden Bennett
Tristan Bingham
Jonathan Collett
Anthony Cromer
Kaden Henry
Blake Aaron Hensley
Logan Lundy
Toni McCombs
Maddox Mink
Riley Mullins
Patrick Smith
Zachary Smith
Tyler Whitaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kentucky State Police is dedicated to recruiting, training and supporting a professional, diverse and well-equipped workforce to serve the commonwealth. KSP will welcome the next cadet class to the academy in May 2027. Those interested in pursuing a career as a KSP trooper are encouraged to visit the agency\u2019s website<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about KSP\u2019s commitment to creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth\u2019s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Beshear-Coleman administration\u2019s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor\u2019s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 Crime in Kentucky Report<\/a>, released in June<\/a>, shows that, from 2024 to 2025, reports of serious crime decreased by 8.14%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For four straight years, overdose deaths have decreased<\/a> in Kentucky. In 2025, the commonwealth saw 22.9% fewer overdose deaths than the year prior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Gov. Beshear took office, fewer Kentuckians have returned to prison after their release. For two years in a row<\/a>, recidivism rates in the commonwealth have decreased, meaning that nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more about the Beshear-Coleman administration\u2019s work to build a safer New Kentucky Home, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            <\/strong># # #<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cadet Class 107 graduates to serve at Posts across the commonwealth FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026) -Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to honor 40 cadets graduating from the KSP Training Academy, marking the start of their careers as state troopers serving communities across the commonwealth. \u201cThank you for your hard […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":67957,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","transcript_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[891],"class_list":["post-69821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ksp-news","tag-hq"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-Article-Graphics-Default-Graphic-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69821"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69825,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69821\/revisions\/69825"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov\/\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}