MADISONVILLE, KY — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the graduation of 33 cadets from the KSP Training Academy. These troopers will begin their new public safety careers in communities throughout the commonwealth. Five of the graduates will be serving at KSP Post 2.
KSP Post 2 Captain Derek Smith is excited to welcome five new troopers to Madisonville. Captain Smith said, "these troopers are beginning a rewarding career, and it will be an honor to serve alongside them. I commend them for their achievements during the academy training and look forward to working alongside Trooper Baker, Phillips, Trautman, VanDrew, and Yates, as they begin their journey with the Thin Gray Line."
Cadet Class 105 arrived at the KSP Academy on Nov. 10, 2024, beginning 24 weeks of demanding instruction and hands-on training required to become a state trooper. Cadet Class 105 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.
Cadet Class 105 graduates assigned to Post 2 are: Zane Baker, Cerulean, Ky. Noah Phillips, Greenville, Ky. Cainan Trautman, Madisonville, Ky. Travis VanDrew, Russellville, Ky. James Yates, Marion, Ky.
Several members of the graduating class received special recognition during the ceremony.The class Valedictorian award, which includes a new 2024 Dodge Durango police cruiser, was awarded to Trooper Travis VanDrew.
Trooper Travis VanDrew also received the 'Ernie Bivens Award'. 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's physical and vocational training.
Seventeen cadets earned their associate degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from the 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. Post 2 troopers Cainan Trautman and James Yates earned their associate degree.
These graduating cadets will uphold KSP's mission to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.
The Kentucky State Police remain committed to building a professional, diverse and well-equipped workforce that enhances public safety across the commonwealth. Cadet Class 106 begins August 10, 2025. Those interested in becoming a Kentucky State Police Trooper are encouraged to visit our website.
