The Kentucky State Police Honor Guard has selected three new members to join the team, including a trooper who hails from Grayson County.
The KSP Honor Guard was established in 1981 and continues in its fortieth year as a notable service to the community and agency.
In addition to Troopers Shaun Schroader of KSP Post 16 (Henderson) and Keith Lowe of KSP Post 10 (Harlan), Post 4 Trooper and Grayson County resident Jakob Clemons was recently selected for the accolade.
Trooper Clemons joins his brother, Trooper Jared Clemons, also a Grayson County resident, as the only brothers to simultaneously serve in KSP’s Honor Guard. The Clemons brothers are the sons of former Grayson County Sheriff Rick Clemons and Jill Clemons.
Trooper Kyle Lashley, another Grayson County resident, also serves on the KSP Honor Guard.
“The specialized unit performs the ‘Presentation of Colors’ for various civic and public gatherings and formal events,” state police said. “They also provide honors for law enforcement officers that are killed in line of duty. But one of their most important and solemn duties is to the families of retired KSP troopers. During a retiree’s funeral visitation, the Honor Guard will stand at the coffin near the family to show the agency’s continued support for them in their time of grief.”
During the graveside service for a KSP retiree the Honor Guard will present to family members a folded Kentucky flag representing appreciation for their service to the commonwealth. As well as a folded KSP flag for their service to the agency. They will then render a final salute over the coffin.
“I can remember the faces of every family member I’ve presented a flag to at a funeral. For a lot of people, this is the last interaction they will have with the Kentucky State Police,” said Honor Guard Commander Lt. Jason Bunch. “You make eye contact with that person. It’s deep and it’s meaningful. The family members appreciate it, and it touches our hearts.”
To become a member of the KSP Honor Guard, a trooper must apply and participate in try-outs. Each applicant completes an interview, uniform and vehicle inspection and performs mock ceremonial drills, according to Kentucky State Police.
“You have to have the right mind set, be service-minded and have discipline. This is an important job, and we want the best people representing our agency,” Bunch said.
Upon selection, each trooper receives a traditional uniform that consists of a black high collared coat with silver piping. The black coat recalls a long law enforcement heritage. The silver piping represents the agency nickname, “The Thin Gray Line,” first used by then-Commissioner Ted Basset in the 1960s.
After a six-month probation period and extensive training and practice, the new members can qualify to become full members of the Honor Guard, continuing the team’s long legacy.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
