At an annual memorial ceremony on Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky State Police paid tribute to the 37 state troopers, officers and highway patrolmen who lost their lives in service to the commonwealth.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with National Police Week, which was commemorated nationwide last week, and was a time for Kentucky to remember the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of others.
“These 37 fallen heroes served with love. They set the highest of bars and the highest of standards for every trooper – past, present and future,” Beshear said. “Their sacrifice was the ultimate show of love, because they were willing to lose their lives so we could live ours. And we don’t just remember them today, but every day.”
Kentucky’s law enforcement memorial monument in Richmond holds the names of 579 Kentuckians who have died in the line of duty since 1845, including the troopers, officers and highway patrolmen honored on Thursday.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. addressed the family members of the fallen officers, recognizing the sacrifices their loved ones made and the debt of gratitude the commonwealth will continue to owe.
“While we can’t bring your heroes back, we can ensure they are never forgotten. As family members, you sacrificed while they were serving and have continued to sacrifice every day since then. This agency is eternally grateful for their courage, honor and unwavering commitment.”
For five years, National Fallen Heroes Wreath Program Founder Michelle Pawlowski has provided a Christmas wreath during the holiday season for the gravesites of the 37 fallen KSP officers. For the first time, she attended the ceremony and was able to meet family members of those she has been honoring.
“I’ve had the opportunity to see photos from KSP’s holiday wreath-laying ceremonies, but being here today in person and spending time with the families brings the project full circle,” Pawlowski said. “Not only does it speak to the legacy of these troopers, but also for my brother-in-law, Officer John Pawlowski, who inspired this program.”
Philadelphia Police Officer John Pawlowski was killed in the line of duty on February 13, 2009, when responding to a robbery call, according to the governor’s office.
The six Kentucky Highway Patrolmen who have died in the line of duty, including their end-of-watch dates, are:
- Patrolman James P. Hays: Dec. 21, 1935
- Patrolman Robert Rowland: Dec. 22, 1935
- Vernon Snell: Feb. 20, 1937
- Patrolman Moses H. Littrell: March 14, 1938
- Patrolman Houston Greene: May 18, 1944
- 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 dates, are:
- Trooper Harold J. Toll: Nov. 14, 1948
- Trooper Robert R. Miller: Feb. 14, 1951
- Trooper Lee T. Huffman: May 19, 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
- 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. 19, 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
- David R. Gibbs: Aug. 7, 2015
- Trooper J. Cameron Ponder: Sept. 13, 2015
The fallen Trooper and Officer Memorial is on the KSP webpage at https://kentuckystatepolice.org/fallenmemorial/
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
