Kentucky State Police Post 3 gains new trooper following graduation

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Friday, the Kentucky State Police announced a new trooper is joining KSP Post Three based in Bowling Green.

According to the Kentucky State Police, a total of 32 cadets have graduated from the KSP Training Academy, marking the start of their careers as state troopers in Kentucky.

During the graduation ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. commended the graduates for their determination and resilience throughout the academy.

“Completing this academy requires grit, focus and an unwavering commitment to public service,” Burnett said. “These troopers have met high standards every step of the way, and our academy staff has worked tirelessly to ensure they are ready for the realities of this profession. I am confident they will carry out their duties with integrity, courage and professionalism.”

KSP says Cadet Class 106 reported to the KSP Academy on Aug. 10 and finished 24 weeks of academic instruction and practical training aimed at preparing them for modern law enforcement. During this time, cadets completed over 1,000 hours of classroom learning and hands-on exercises covering a wide range of topics, including constitutional law, traffic and juvenile law, use of force, firearms training, defensive tactics, emergency medical care, criminal investigations, crash reconstruction, evidence handling, search and seizure, drug identification, computer and electronic crimes, domestic violence response, sex crimes, hate crimes, crowd and traffic control, hazardous materials, bomb threats, hostage negotiations and high-speed vehicle pursuits.

KSP Post Three Commander Capt. Tim Adams welcomed the new cadets by commending them for their determination and resilience throughout the academy.

“We are excited to welcome Trooper Wheeler to Post 03,” Adams said. “We are looking forward to seeing how he grows in to his new career.”

The Cadet Class 106 graduate assigned to KSP Post Three in Bowling Green is trooper Gabriel Wheeler of Glasgow.

To see the full list of Cadet Class 106 graduates, visit KSP’s website.

Several members of the graduating class received special recognition during the ceremony. According to KSP, the class Valedictorian award, which includes a new 2024 Dodge Durango police cruiser, was awarded to Wheeler.

Twelve cadets earned their associate degree in general occupational and technical studies from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College during their 24 weeks at the training academy. These cadets benefited from the new hiring guidelines established by the state 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 KSP trooper and earn an associate degree during the training process. Wheeler earned his associate degree, according to KSP.

Cadet Class 107 arrives to the KSP Academy on May 17, 2026. Those interested in pursuing a career as a Kentucky State Police trooper are encouraged to visit the agency’s website for more information.