Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky State Police this week celebrated and paid tribute to the agency’s Honor Guard unit for 40 years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth. The governor proclaimed November 11 as Kentucky State Honor Guard Day to mark their 40th anniversary.
According to the governor’s office, the Honor Guard represents Kentucky State Police at civic events, parades, public and agency ceremonies. This specialized unit performs the “Presentation of Colors” at various events and provides honors for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. State officials say one of the Honor Guard’s most important duties is to provide funeral honors for retired troopers.
Currently, the Honor Guard has 13 members. Troopers are chosen for their attention to detail and protocols, skills and dedication. During their service on the team, the members train monthly to improve their skills and their precision in working as one unit.
The mission of Kentucky State Police is to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.
Last week, Governor Beshear announced that he plans to make historic investments to improve public safety in his upcoming budget proposal. The governor’s two-year budget plan will provide millions of dollars to fund competitive salaries for Kentucky State Police troopers, officers and telecommunicators, supply recording devices for KSP sworn troopers and increase the peace officer training stipend.
