Nearly four dozen Kentucky State Police Troopers will assist with local, state and federal law enforcement at President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.
The troopers will be temporarily sworn in as local officers giving them arrest powers during their duties, which will include traffic and crowd control, security at events and other assignments, KSP said.
Acting KSP commissioner Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr. said two troopers from each of KSP’s 16 posts throughout the commonwealth have been assigned to the detail. Each posts’ “Trooper of the Year” and “Detective of the Year,” as chosen by the post commander, have been selected for the duty and will serve alongside members of the command staff.
Representing KSP Post 4 in Elizabethtown at the inauguration will be Detective of the Year Bryan Washer, Trooper of the Year Trooper Alex Ware and Post 4 Captain Daniel White.
“The brave men and women of the Kentucky State Police will once again proudly serve the commonwealth and the country as they assist in and around Washington, D.C. with tomorrow’s presidential inauguration,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The peaceful transfer of power is crucial to our democracy. After the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and lawmakers, it is necessary that we ensure safety and security. Thank you to our KSP Troopers for always providing exceptional service and protection to all citizens.”
Troopers made their first appearance at George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2005 and have been honored to participate in the four inaugurations since.
“I am proud that KSP is continuing our long-standing tradition of providing assistance with the presidential inauguration,” Burnett said. “Our agency is honored to help our nation in this official capacity.”
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, which oversees the swearing in of all law enforcement officers participating in securing the presidential inauguration, this year over 20,000 law enforcement personnel having been deputized for the event, the most ever for an inauguration, and representing “approximately 90 outside law enforcement agencies,” according to state police.
All expenses and salaries incurred for this detail are to be reimbursed by the Washington, DC Metro Police Department.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
