Pikeville, KY — The Kentucky State Police Post 09 is welcoming six new Troopers to their ranks: Bailey Combs, Vicco, Ky. Matthew Cornett, Corbin, Ky. Noah Ritchie, Hazard, Ky. Tracy Salyer, Salyersville, Ky. Mark Spencer, Paintsville, Ky. Matthew Turner, Jackson, Ky. The new Troopers were among forty-eight cadets to graduate the training academy in Frankfort on Friday, October 25, 2019. The total number of graduates were among the 89 who initially reported. Cadet training consists of field study in multiple subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, emergency response driving, criminal investigations, homeland security, active shooter response and much more. Field training officers will supervise the new Troopers for twelve weeks before working their assigned area. The cadets are the third group to benefit from new hiring guidelines established by the legislature in 2017. Through this revision, anyone who possesses a high school diploma or GED and has three years of full-time work experience can apply for employment as a Kentucky State Trooper and earn an associate degree during the training process.