FRANKFORT, Ky. – Sixteen Kentucky State Police Troopers and five Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers were among more than 200 law enforcement officers from 185 agencies throughout the Commonwealth recognized on Dec. 13 by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) for their efforts to target impaired drivers.
“We are honoring those who put their lives on the line each day to save the lives of others,” said KOHS Executive Director Dr. Noelle Hunter. “These officers and agencies render a great service for all Kentuckians, and on behalf of Governor Matt Bevin, we say thank you.”
Perry County District Judge Leigh Anne Stephens, who was injured by a drunken driver in 2015, commended the aggressive enforcement and awareness efforts.
“It is an honor to stand before those who serve and protect the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Judge Stephens. “We will never know the number of lives saved and victims spared by your efforts to stop drunk and drugged drivers. When I see a law enforcement officer, I see a friend. You have my utmost respect and admiration. I thank you for your service, I thank God for you and I pray for your own safety and protection.”
KSP Troopers and CVE Officers who received the 2017 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards include:
Trooper Paul Hale, Post 1
Trooper Cody Kromer, Post 2
Trooper Darren Lowe, Post 3
Trooper Ethan Whitlock, Post 4
Senior Trooper Matthew Sudduth, Post 5
Trooper Charles Wagner, Post 6
Trooper Derrek Lovett, Post 7
Trooper Brad Watson, Post 8
Trooper Michael Haney, Post 9
Trooper Justin Barton, Post 10
Trooper Steve Walker, Post 11
Trooper Stuart Jackson, Post 12
Trooper Houston Ethan Lewis, Post 13
Trooper Bradley Couch, Post 14
Senior Trooper Jonathan Carlock, Post 15
Trooper Blake Owens, Post 16
Officer George Pointer, CVE Region 1
Officer Nick Pruitt, CVE Region 2
Senior Officer Richard Lynch, CVE Regions 3 & 5
Officer First Class Michael Hamblin, CVE Region 4
Senior Officer Dennis Hutchinson, CVE Region 6
The KOHS, Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies are partnering for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign Dec. 14, 2017, through Jan. 1, 2018. The campaign is funded through NHTSA, which says high-visibility enforcement reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.