CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
LEXINGTON — Three officers from Kentucky State Police Post 9 Pikeville were among those receiving top honors Friday in Lexington as the KSP recognized 61 troopers, detectives and officers for acts of valor and service that went beyond the line of duty.
Trooper Nicholas Taylor, a three-year veteran, is the Trooper of the Year at both the state and regional levels. Detective James Cress, with four years of service, is the Post 9 Detective of the Year. Detective Zachary Bryson, who has served 15 years, received the award for Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations (DESI) East Detective of the Year.
Post 9 Commander Jason Bunch expressed his pride.
“Trooper Taylor, Detective Cress and Detective Bryson have shown outstanding dedication, professionalism and courage in serving the people of Eastern Kentucky,” Bunch said. “Their commitment to justice and public safety represents the very best of the Kentucky State Police, and it is an honor to serve alongside them.”
The annual Sworn Awards Ceremony recognized men and women who, over the past year, responded to 412,530 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators and in some cases, ran directly into danger to protect others.
During the ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. praised the award recipients for their extraordinary service.
“This ceremony is about recognizing the troopers and officers who have gone far beyond the call of duty,” Commissioner Burnett said. “Whether facing danger head-on, uncovering the truth through determined investigations or showing compassion when it mattered most, these troopers and officers embody the highest standards of our agency.”
The awards, presented for actions that occurred in 2024, reflected the breadth of the agency’s mission across Kentucky’s 120 counties, officials said. In addition to emergency response, the force assisted local police departments, pursued justice for victims and sought to create what Burnett described as “a safer commonwealth for future generations.”
The KSP is looking to recruit the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Individuals interested in a career of service, leadership and honor can apply at JoinKSP.com.