FRANKFORT, KY – On Thursday, May 22, 2025,, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored the 37 fallen troopers, officers and highway patrolmen who died in the line of duty throughout the agency's inception.
"The standards have been set high for every trooper – past, present and future – because of the 37 we remember today," said Gov. Beshear. "Their sacrifice was the ultimate show of love, because they were willing to lose their lives so we could live ours. There is no way we can ever repay our debt of gratitude, but we will never stop trying."
During the touching ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. emphasized the importance of remembering these fallen heroes and the families left behind.
"Their lives ended in service, but their legacy continues with every new trooper who joins our agency," said Commissioner Burnett. "To the families: Your loved ones will always be part of our KSP family. We honor their memory not just today, but every day we serve."
The ceremony also featured a wreath-laying conducted by Gov. Beshear, Commissioner Burnett and the KSP Honor Guard. The wreath was donated by the Kentucky State Police Foundation, which has long supported the agency's efforts to commemorate its fallen officers.
The six Kentucky Highway Patrolmen who have died in the line of duty, including their end-of-watch date, are:
- Patrolman James P. Hays: Dec. 21, 1935;
- Patrolman Robert Rowland: Dec. 22, 1935;
- Captain Vernon Snell: Feb. 20, 1937;
- Patrolman Moses H. Littrell: March 14, 1938;
- Patrolman Houston Greene: May 18, 1944; and
- Patrolman Vadas G. Richardson: October 7, 1944
The 31 troopers and officers who have died in the line of duty, including their end-of-watch date, are:
- Trooper Harold J. Toll: Nov. 14, 1948;
- Trooper Robert R. Miller: Feb. 14, 1951;
- Trooper Lee T. Huffman: May 8, 1953;
- Trooper Herbert C. Bush: Oct. 11, 1958;
- Trooper William E. Tevis: May 26, 1963;
- Trooper Elmer Mobley, Jr.: May 28, 1964;
- Trooper Cecil W. Uzzle: May 28, 1964;
- Trooper Delano G. Powell: July 8, 1965;
- Trooper Mack E. Brady: Nov. 9, 1966;
- Trooper William H. Barrett: Dec. 19, 1971;
- Trooper James W. McNeely: April 8, 1972;
- Officer David T. Childs: April 8, 1972;
- Trooper Walter O. Thurtell: Sept. 29, 1972;
- Trooper Joseph Ward, Jr.: April 23, 1973;
- Lieutenant William C. Smith: April 26, 1973;
- Trooper John W. Hutchinson: June 4, 1975;
- Trooper Bobby A. McCoun Jr.: Sept. 1, 1975;
- Trooper William F. Pickard: Jan. 21, 1976;
- Lieutenant Willis D. Martin: April 26, 1977;
- Trooper Clinton E. Cunningham: Feb. 11, 1979;
- Trooper Edward R. Harris: Nov. 7, 1979;
- Trooper Jerome S. Clifton: Oct. 1, 1980;
- Detective Darrell V. Phelps: Aug. 7, 1981;
- Trooper Johnny M. Edrington: Dec. 20, 1988;
- Trooper Johnny G. Adkins: Nov. 24, 1995;
- Officer Jason W. Cammack: April 23, 2000;
- Trooper Jonathan K. Leonard: Dec. 19, 2006;
- Trooper Anson B. Tribby: Jan. 22, 2013;
- Trooper Eric K. Chrisman: June 23, 2015;
- Sergeant David R. Gibbs: Aug. 7, 2015; and
- Trooper J. Cameron Ponder: Sept. 13, 2015
You can learn more about these fallen heroes by visiting KSP's Fallen Trooper and Officer Memorial webpage.
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