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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 42 new troopers at ceremonies held June 22nd in Frankfort.

Their addition to KSP brings the agency’s strength to a total of 874 troopers serving the state. They are a part of the agency’s 96th cadet class.

They reported for training in January in a class that consisted of 75 cadets. Thirty-three resigned during the program.

The training included more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study.

“Today is their first day actually reporting to post,” said Sgt. Steven Mounts with Kentucky State Police Post 9. “Getting the instructions on what county they’re going to be assigned to and so forth.”

Nine cadets earned Associate’s Degrees in General Occupational and Technical Studies from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College during the training.

“That’s definitely an incentive to get them here and get a little more rounded with some of the things they may be out here dealing with,” added Sgt. Mounts. “With some of the criminal justice stuff and the report writing.”

Six cadets are stationed at Post 9 in Pikeville. 

“I love law enforcement,” said Tpr. Corey Charles. “I was prior law enforcement for two years with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. I’m excited to be here at post. I’ve always wanted to be a trooper. Now, here I am, ready to get started.”

“It feels great to leave the academy and come down here to Pikeville to serve the community and these wonderful people,” added Tpr. Matthew Barger. “I’m excited to get started and hopefully everything turns out well for us here in Pikeville.”

Each new trooper will be supervised by a training officer for eight weeks.