Enhancing public and officer safety, creating safer communities
Left to Right: KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr., Retired Lt. Colonel Robert Milligan, Governor Andy Beshear, Retired Colonel Linda Mayberry
FRANKFORT, KY – On Monday, June 19, 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local leaders to celebrate 75 years of the Kentucky State Police (KSP) enhancing public safety by creating safer communities as one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies.
“For 75 years, the state police have served our commonwealth and our families, making this state a safer place to call home,” said Gov. Beshear. “As Governor and as a dad, I am grateful for all our KSP heroes. Their sacrifice and commitment to all Kentuckians is second to none.”
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. highlighted several celebratory events KSP has hosted, including a 75th Anniversary Ball for employees and retirees, a wrapped Dodge Charger cruiser with a blue and white paint scheme from the 1970s, a challenge coin and other custom-designed items to mark the momentous occasion.
“I am honored to reflect on the rich history and the many contributions that have been made to our agency over the years,” Commissioner Burnett said. “We are proud to have played a significant role in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and we remain committed to continuing our tradition of excellence of those who came before us, in service and protection for many years to come.”
Since its inception in 1948, KSP has grown not only in number of personnel but departments. Today, KSP has a total of 1,890 employees, which includes both civilian and sworn personnel, and provides an array of law enforcement services to Kentucky’s 120 counties. Among those services: telecommunicators, laboratory testing, K-9 units, aircraft branch, internet crimes against children, 16 post locations, drug enforcement, the Safe Schools Program, Trooper Island, the Angel Initiative and a wide range of assistance to local law enforcement agencies.
Retired KSP Lt. Col. Robert Milligan, who served as the agency’s highest-ranking African American from 1976-2003, and retired KSP Colonel Linda Mayberry, the agency’s highest-ranking female, serving from 1979-2003, spoke during the event on the history of the agency.
“The Kentucky State Police was the conduit for the formation of relationships that will endure, and those relationships personify the organization itself,” said Ret. Lt. Col. Milligan.
“Over its 75-year history, the Kentucky State Police and the brave women and men who serve have positively impacted countless lives, including mine,” said Ret. Col. Mayberry. “Even as years go by, one thing that remains constant is KSP’s honor, courage, and commitment.”
Since the agency’s inception, 37 troopers, officers and highway patrolmen have lost their lives in service to the commonwealth. Those heroes and their families made the ultimate sacrifice while showing the courage, dedication and bravery that makes a Kentucky State Trooper, and they were recently remembered during the agency’s annual memorial ceremony.
KSP’s focus this year is to maintain and strengthen its essential workforce in order to better provide public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities that KSP serves. For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky, click here.
Applications are open to apply for Cadet Class 104. The deadline to apply is close of business August 31. Individuals accepted to join Cadet Class 104, which is slated to begin in January 2024, will earn $65,000 annually, have access to an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program and the opportunity to work closer to home.
If you want to be part of KSP’s history and apply for a career, visit their website. For additional information and questions, email the KSP Recruitment branch at .
