GEORGETOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) – A somber service was held Wednesday honoring Kentucky’s fallen state police. The Kentucky State Police will turn 75 this year. In that time 29 troopers, two officers, and six highway patrolmen never made it home. Their lives were represented by 37 white carnations as loved ones and fellow troopers took a moment to honor their sacrifice, name by name.

“This is our family, KSP Family, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart because they dedicated their lives and loss such protecting Kentuckians as a member of this agency,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. said.

This year a new discovery among KSP records added one more name to the list, the K9 Orofino, who’s now memorialized on a bench after passing in 1991.

The service came on the heels of the tragic death of Scott County Deputy Caleb Conley.
“But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the loss the Commonwealth felt two nights ago,” Burnett, Jr. said. “Unfortunately, fallen families here today know exactly what that family is going through right now,” he added.

“The last trooper that was killed in the line of duty was it was on a traffic stop that turned into a pursuit. So for us, to see another officer, a sheriff’s deputy, lose their life in the pursuit, it it is very close to home for the state police,” Capt. Paul Blanton told FOX 56.

The ceremony served as a reminder of the courage, the sense of duty, and the daily sacrifice undertaken by each trooper, and that tomorrow is never promised. 

“You are protecting the future of Kentucky that we are all fighting for in more ways than just patrolling our streets. And I have no doubt that you do it all in the memory of the 37 fallen heroes,” Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said.