KSP honors troopers and officers at awards ceremony

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky State Police recognized 66 troopers, 8 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers, and 14 civilians on Friday July 13th.

KSP says the recognition is for acts of bravery, life-saving, professionalism and dedication to duty.

Trooper First Class Scottie Pennington, a Berea, Ky. resident, was named 2017 Trooper of the Year. A 15-and-a half-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is assigned to KSP Post 11 in London. He is the son of Linda Murphy of Berea and Jerry Pennington of McKee.

Detective Elisha Morris, a Georgetown, Ky. resident, was named 2017 Detective of the Year. A 14-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is assigned to the agency’s Drug Enforcement & Special Investigations Branch.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Erik K. Stallsworth, a Mt. Vernon, Ky. resident, was named the 2017 Jason Cammack Officer of the Year for the KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troop. A six-year CVE veteran, Stallsworth is assigned to CVE Region 5 based in Morehead, Ky. He is the son of Frank and Marlene Stallsworth of Mt. Vernon.

Master Trooper Corey King, a Utica, Ky. resident, was named 2017 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. An 18-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is assigned to KSP Post 16 in Henderson. He is the son of Gary and Marilyn King of Fancy Farm.

Jeffery Scott Steward, an Owensboro, Ky. resident, was named 2017 Arson Investigator of the Year. A four-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he is assigned to KSP Post 2 in Madisonville. He is the son of the late Gary Steward of Morganfield and Phyllis Warren of Bowling Green.

Officer Trenton Miller, a resident of Lawrenceburg, Ky., was named 2017 Facilities Security Officer of the Year. A seven-year veteran of the agency, he is the son of Allen and Shauna Miller of Elizabethtown.

Ten troopers were awarded the KSP Citation for Bravery, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency 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, awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances.

Two troopers were awarded the Citation for Meritorious Service with “V” Device for Valor, bestowed on officers of the agency who distinguish themselves by an act of courage performed under more than ordinary circumstances.

Two troopers received the Guthrie Crowe Award, which is named for the first commissioner of the Kentucky State Police and bestowed upon officers of the agency who sustain a severe wound or injury while in the performance of duty.

Twenty troopers were named Detective of the Year at the post, branch or division level.

Eighteen troopers were named Trooper of the Year at the post, branch or division level.

Six Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers were named Officer of the Year at the regional level.

One trooper received a Commissioner’s Commendation, which is bestowed upon agency officers for an act of gallantry, meritorious achievement or exemplary service of such distinction as to have brought great credit upon the officer and the agency.

Fourteen individuals received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Achievement, the agency’s highest civilian award bestowed upon those who performed an extraordinary act of service or heroism in direct support of an officer of the agency engaged in the official performance of duty.

For a listing of the troopers, officers and individuals who received awards at the ceremony, visit http://ksponline.org/Documents_2018/kspawardwinnersforwebsite.docx