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KSP: 2026 Sworn Awards Ceremony

From Sherry Bray

Lexington, KY - On July 23, 2026, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers who went above and beyond the call of service in 2025. The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky's 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations.

Recipients from the Post 15 area include:
  • Captain Jeremy Smith received a Meritorious Service Award with a V-device. Captain Smith is a 21-year veteran of the agency.

  • Detective Dexter Colvin was named the 2025 Post 15 Detective of the Year and the Statewide KSP Detective of the Year. Detective Colvin is a 9-year veteran of the agency.

  • Trooper Joshua Smith was named the 2025 Post 15 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Smith is a 3-year veteran of the agency.

  • Master Trooper Jonathan Houk was named the 2025 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Houk is a 16-year veteran of the agency.
"Every single day, the brave men and women of the Kentucky State Police put duty above self to make our communities safer," Gov. Andy Beshear said. "The troopers and officers being recognized today exemplify that commitment to our commonwealth. Thank you for your unyielding dedication."

In 2025, KSP responded to 532,600 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators, secured justice for victims and assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed to promote safety throughout the commonwealth.

Among today's honorees were the 22 troopers who took action during the aftermath of the May 16, 2025, EF-4 tornado to rescue numerous Kentuckians in dangerous conditions. This powerful tornado was on the ground for nearly 60 miles through Laurel, Pulaski and Russell counties. The National Weather Service found it to be one of the strongest tornadoes to ever impact this area, and the deadliest, killing 19 Kentuckians and leaving communities in rubble.

"During the May tornado, our troopers truly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by running toward the victims and survivors trapped in debris," Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. "Because of their heroic actions, the lives of countless Kentuckians were saved."

The 2025 award recipients include:

  • Trooper Derek Dennis was named 2025 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Dennis is a 1-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 11, London.

  • Detective Dexter Colvin was named 2025 Detective of the Year. Detective Colvin is a 9-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 15, Columbia.

  • Trooper Robert Dials was named the recipient of the 2025 Jason Cammack Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Award. Trooper Dials is a 13-year veteran of KSP assigned to the CVE East Region.

  • Trooper Jonathan Houk was named 2025 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Houk is a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 15, Columbia.

  • Officer Gregory Baxter was named 2025 Facilities Security Officer of the Year. Officer Baxter is a 12-year veteran of KSP.

  • Bradley "Bo" Cure received the 2025 Career Service Achievement Award. Sgt. Cure is a 27-year veteran of KSP assigned to the East Region of the Drug Enforcement Special Investigation Branch.

  • Trooper Jude Remilien received the 2025 Guthrie Crowe Award, which is named in honor of the first KSP commissioner and is bestowed upon troopers or officers who sustain a severe wound or injury during the performance of their law enforcement duty. Trooper Remilien is a 4-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Public Affairs Branch.

  • Eight troopers were awarded the KSP Citation for Bravery, an honor bestowed on officers who perform acts of bravery without regard for personal risk despite clear and obvious peril and clearly above and beyond the call or risk of ordinary duty.

  • Twelve troopers received the Lifesaving Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances.

  • Twenty-four troopers received KSP Meritorious Awards, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency who distinguish themselves by an act of courage performed under more than ordinary circumstances.

  • Nineteen troopers were named post-level detectives of the year.

  • Eighteen troopers were named post-level troopers of the year.

  • Two officers and one trooper were named region-level Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers of the year.



This story was posted on 2026-07-24 12:17:50
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Troopers and officers recognized at annual awards ceremony



2026-07-24 - Lexington, KY - Photo courtesy Kentucky State Police.
The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky's 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations.

Among the honorees from Post 15 in Columbia, Detective Dexter Colvin was named 2025 Detective of the Year, and Trooper Jonathan Houk was named 2025 Public Affairs Officer of the Year.

Picture, from left to right: Trooper Jonathan Houk, Trooper Derek Dennis, Trooper Robert Dials Jr., Officer Gregory Baxter, Detective Dexter Colvin and Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr.
Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.



Troopers and officers from Post 15 honored



2026-07-25 - Lexington, KY - Photo courtesy Kentucky State Police.
Pictured, from left to right: Master Trooper Jonathan Houk, Detective Dexter Colvin, Captain Jeremy Smith and Trooper Joshua Smith.
Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.



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