Five local residents among KSP police academy graduates

A total of five local residents, including three from Corbin and two from London, were among the 71 cadets, who recently graduated from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) basic training academy. They are members of Cadet Class 101, which was the largest KSP basic training academy graduating class since 2014.

“Congratulations cadets. Great job on finishing an intense 24-weeks of training and becoming a state trooper,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I join the people of the commonwealth in thanking you for your service to others and for helping to make the commonwealth a better place.”

Local Cadet Class 101 graduates and their assigned posts include:

• Post 3, Bowling Green – Devon Banaszak of London
• Post 7, Richmond – Tiana Simpson of Corbin and Benjamin Holt of London
• Post 10, Harlan – Chelsea Brock of Corbin and Joshua Jones of Corbin

Cadets reported to the KSP training academy on Oct. 3, 2021, to embark upon 24 weeks of intense training.

The KSP training academy provides cadets with best practices, the latest technology training and legal information to help make the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure through exceptional law enforcement.

The graduates of Cadet Class 101 received more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects, such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, etc.

Twenty-five cadets, including: Banaszak, Brock and Jones, 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’s degree during the training process.