07/25/2026
Kentucky State Police Post 11 Troopers Recognized at Annual Awards Ceremony
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 24, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers who went above and beyond the call of service in 2025. The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations.
In 2025, KSP responded to 532,600 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators, secured justice for victims, and assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed to promote safety throughout the commonwealth.
Among the honorees were Post 11 troopers who took action during the aftermath of the May 16, 2025, EF-4 tornado to rescue numerous Kentuckians in dangerous conditions. This powerful tornado was on the ground for nearly 60 miles through Laurel, Pulaski and Russell counties. The National Weather Service found it to be one of the strongest tornadoes to ever impact this area, and the deadliest, killing 19 Kentuckians and leaving communities in rubble.
“During the May tornado, our troopers truly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by running toward the victims and survivors trapped in debris,” Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “Because of their heroic actions, the lives of countless Kentuckians were saved.”
Recipients from the Post 11 area include:
Trooper Derek Dennis was named the 2025 Post 11 Trooper of the Year and the overall 2025 KSP Trooper of the Year. He also received a Lifesaving Award. Trooper Dennis is a 1-year veteran of the agency.
Way to go Trooper Dennis keep up the good work. You do an amazing job.
Detective Keegan Bray was named the 2025 Post 11 Detective of the Year and received a Meritorious Service Award. Detective Bray is a 15-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Dylan Rose received a Lifesaving Award. Trooper Rose is a 3-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Zachary Loudermilk received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Loudermilk is a 4-year veteran of the agency.
Detective Ryan Loudermilk received a Lifesaving Award. Detective Loudermilk is a 23-year veteran of the agency.
Detective James Royal received a Lifesaving Award. Detective Royal is a 13-year veteran of the agency.
Retired Captain Jason Bunch received a Lifesaving Award. Retired Captain Bunch was a 23-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Austin Cornett received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Cornett is an 8-year veteran of the agency.
Detective Timothy Moore received a Meritorious Service Award. Detective Moore is a 4-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Briston Smith received a Lifesaving Award. Trooper Smith is a 10-year veteran of the agency.
Sergeant Harrison Wells received a Meritorious Service Award. Sergeant Wells is a 12-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Justin VanHook received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper VanHook is a 6-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Shawn Boroviak received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Boroviak is a 9-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Logan Mallory received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Mallory is a 6-year veteran of the agency.
Trooper Adam Childress received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Childress is a 14-year veteran of the agency.
Captain Robert Purdy stated
“The men and women who serve at KSP Post 11 are nothing short of remarkable. The courage and selflessness displayed following the tornado exemplified the true meaning of service above self” said Captain Robert Purdy. “The Troopers and Detectives who were recognized at the award ceremony reflect the courage, commitment and selfless service that embodies everyone who works at Post 11, London. I could not be more proud of the work they have done and continue to do on a daily basis.”
A complete list of award recipients is available on the KSP website.
KSP is looking to recruit the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Individuals interested in a career of service, leadership and honor are encouraged to apply today at JoinKSP.com.
For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here.
# # #
Editor’s Note: photo one identification (left to right) Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., Trooper Derek Dennis and Justice Secretary Keith Jackson.
Photo two identification (left to right, back row to front row) Trooper Joseph Mallory, Trooper Zachary Loudermilk, Detective Ryan Loudermilk, Trooper Shawn Boroviak, Trooper Briston Smith, Trooper James Royal, Detective Dylan Rose, Trooper Justin Vanhook, Trooper Austin Cornett, Trooper Adam Childress, Detective Keegan Bray, Trooper Harrison Wells and Trooper Timothy Moore. Not shown: Retired Captain Jason Bunch.
