KSP holds memorial for 37 fallen troopers, officers and highway patrolmen

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police gathered in Frankfort Wednesday to hold an annual memorial service honoring 37 fallen troopers, officers and highway patrolmen who have died in the line of duty.

KSP stated in a social media post that KSP Commission Phillip Burnett, Jr. told family members of the fallen officers that KSP will never forget the service and sacrifice their loved ones made.

“There are heroes who serve, and then there are heroes who carry on the legacy of those who cannot serve anymore. And many of those heroes are right here with us today, and I want to thank each of you for continuing to carry on the legacy of your loved one. I’ve said it before, and it will be said even after I am gone. We will not forget,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr.

The wreath included 37 white carnations to represent all of the fallen units. The red rose represents all the families they left behind and the yellow rose was added this year in memory of former KSP Sergeant Jody Cash, who died in the line of duty on May 16.

The six Kentucky highway patrolmen who died in the line of duty, as well as their end of watch date, are as follows:

Patrolman James P. Hays: December 21, 1935
Patrolman Robert Rowland: December 22, 1935
Captain Vernon Snell: February 20, 1937
Patrolman Moses H. Littrell: March 14, 1938
Patrolman Houston Greene: May 18, 1944
Patrolman Vadas G. Richardson: October 7, 1944

The 31 troopers and officers who have died in the line of duty, including their end of watch date, are:
Trooper Harold J. Toll: November 14, 1948
Trooper Robert R. Miller: February 14, 1951
Trooper Lee T. Huffman: May 19, 1953
Trooper Herbert C. Bush: October 11, 1958
Trooper William E. Tevis: May 26, 1963
Trooper Elmer Mobley, Jr.: May 28, 1964
Trooper Cecil W. Uzzle: May 28, 1964
Trooper Delano G. Powell: July 8, 1965
Trooper Mack E. Brady: November 9, 1966
Trooper William H. Barrett: December 19, 1971
Trooper James W. McNeely: April 8, 1972
Officer David T. Childs: April 8, 1972
Trooper Walter O. Thurtell: September 29, 1972
Trooper Joseph Ward, Jr.: April 23, 1973
Lieutenant William C. Smith: April 26, 1973
Trooper John W. Hutchinson: June 4, 1975
Trooper Bobby A. McCoun Jr.: September 1, 1975
Trooper William F. Pickard: January 21, 1976
Lieutenant Willis D. Martin: April 26, 1977
Trooper Clinton E. Cunningham: February 11, 1979
Trooper Edward R. Harris: November 7, 1979
Trooper Jerome S. Clifton: October 1, 1980
Detective Darrell V. Phelps: August 7, 1981
Trooper Johnny M. Edrington: December 20, 1988
Trooper Johnny G. Adkins: November 19, 1995
Officer Jason W. Cammack: April 23, 2000
Trooper Jonathan K. Leonard: December 19, 2006
Trooper Anson B. Tribby: January 22, 2013
Trooper Eric K. Chrisman: June 23, 2015
Sergeant David R. Gibbs: August 7, 2015
Trooper J. Cameron Ponder: September 13, 2015