Photo: Kentucky State Police

The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 35 new troopers at a graduation ceremony held in Frankfort on Friday, January 1, 2019. Their addition to the force brings the agency’s strength to a total of 809 troopers serving the Commonwealth. Governor Matt Bevin spoke at the ceremony, saying that as Kentuckians, we are grateful for their sacrificial service, we pray for their safety, and we commit to support them even as they serve and protect us. KSP Commissioner Rick Sander welcomed the addition of the new troopers, nothing that 58 troopers retired in 2017.  The new troopers are part of the agency’s 97^th cadet class. They reported for training on August 12, 2018 in a class that consisted of 61 cadets. Twenty-six resigned during the program. Among the new troopers reporting for duty to KSP Post 9 Pikeville is Billy Ball of Prestonsburg and Joshua Scott of West Van Lear.