FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026) -Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to honor 40 cadets graduating from the KSP Training Academy, marking the start of their careers as state troopers serving communities across the commonwealth.
“Thank you for your hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to service above self each and every day,” Gov. Beshear said. “All of Kentucky is grateful for the role you will play in keeping our communities safe.”
Cadet Class 107 reported to the KSP Academy on May 17 and completed 24 weeks of intensive academic instruction and practical training designed to prepare them for the challenges of modern law enforcement. Cadets in the class underwent 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, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.
During today’s ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. commended Cadet Class 107 for their dedication to complete the academy and answer the call to serve the commonwealth: “Becoming a Kentucky State Police Trooper takes grit, determination and a genuine commitment to the people we serve. Each member of this class has demonstrated the ability to rise to challenges and uphold the expectations of this profession.”
Capt. Joey Vorbeck, commander of the KSP Academy, spoke to the importance of developing troopers who possess not only the knowledge and skills needed for the job, but also the judgment and character required to lead and serve: “Throughout their 24 weeks of training, these cadets have faced demanding physical challenges, rigorous coursework and situations that tested their resolve. They have demonstrated tremendous growth and earned the opportunity to take the next step in their careers.”
Cadet Class 107 graduates and their assigned posts are:
Post 1, MAYFIELD
Peter Joseph Rougeux, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Post 2, MADISONVILLE
Eddie Caudill, Hopkinsville, Ky.
Christian Crase, Ardmore, Okla.
Trey Lovell, Greenville, Ky.
Avery Grant Mefford, Browder, Ky.
Kelley Seitz, Oak Grove, Ky.
Roy Wilson, Nortonville, Ky.
Post 3, BOWLING GREEN
Blake Aaron Hensley, Glasgow, Ky.
Austin Stinson, Scottsville, Ky.
Daniel Wright, Glasgow, Ky.
Post 4, ELIZABETHTOWN
Anthony Cromer, Berea, Ky.
Kaden Henry, Louisville, Ky.
Joseph Moeggenborg, Marquette, Mich.
Peyton Nash, Leitchfield, Ky.
Post 5, CAMPBELLSBURG
Jack Thomas Harris, La Grange, Ky.
Post 6, DRY RIDGE
Dylan Clise, Morehead, Ky.
Logan Hurt, Frenchburg, Ky.
Patrick Smith, Jacksonville, N.C.
Post 7, RICHMOND
Jonathan Collett, Annville, Ky.
Grayson Domidion, Lancaster, Ky.
Riley Mullins, Jackson, Ky.
Tyler Whitaker, Beattyville, Ky.
Post 8, MOREHEAD
Ryan Davidson, London, Ky.
Post 10, HARLAN
Austin Lewis, Corbin, Ky.
Toni McCombs, Barbourville, Ky.
Jason Nunley, Williamsburg, Ky.
Post 11, LONDON
Zachary Chesnut, London, Ky.
Jacob Loudermilk, Mount Vernon, Ky.
Post 14, ASHLAND
Cayden Bennett, Ashland, Ky.
Tristan Bingham, Mouthcard, Ky.
Aiden Fields, Millstone, Ky.
Logan Lundy, Raceland, Ky.
Post 15, COLUMBIA
Austin Blakeman, Greensburg, Ky.
Adam Melson, Jamestown, Ky.
Maddox Mink, Somerset, Ky.
Zachary Smith, Campbellsville, Ky.
Seth Stockon, Albany, Ky.
Tristan Thomas, Somerset, Ky.
Post 16, HENDERSON
Camden Greer, Boonville, Ind.
Jermaine Poynter Jr., Henderson, Ky.
Several members of the graduating class received special recognition during the ceremony.
Trooper Peyton Nash received the “Ernie Bivens Award.” This honor is presented to a cadet who, in the opinion of the KSP Academy and fellow cadets, shows distinction as a leader, strives for academic excellence and has excelled in all phases of the academy’s physical and vocational training.
The class Valedictorian award, which includes a new 2026 Dodge Durango police cruiser, was awarded to Trooper Peter Rougeux. The Salutatorian was awarded to Trooper Tristan Thomas.
Trooper Christian Crase received the “Commissioner’s Commitment to Excellence Award.” This is presented to the cadet who has demonstrated leadership, the desire to get the job done and is determined to be the best each day.
Thirteen cadets earned their associate degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from 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.
Cadet Class 107 graduates who earned an associate degree while at the training academy are:
Cayden Bennett
Tristan Bingham
Jonathan Collett
Anthony Cromer
Kaden Henry
Blake Aaron Hensley
Logan Lundy
Toni McCombs
Maddox Mink
Riley Mullins
Patrick Smith
Zachary Smith
Tyler Whitaker
The Kentucky State Police is dedicated to recruiting, training and supporting a professional, diverse and well-equipped workforce to serve the commonwealth. KSP will welcome the next cadet class to the academy in May 2027. Those interested in pursuing a career as a KSP trooper are encouraged to visit the agency’s website for more information.
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.
The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor’s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.
The 2025 Crime in Kentucky Report, released in June, shows that, from 2024 to 2025, reports of serious crime decreased by 8.14%.
For four straight years, overdose deaths have decreased in Kentucky. In 2025, the commonwealth saw 22.9% fewer overdose deaths than the year prior.
Since Gov. Beshear took office, fewer Kentuckians have returned to prison after their release. For two years in a row, recidivism rates in the commonwealth have decreased, meaning that nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned.
For more about the Beshear-Coleman administration’s work to build a safer New Kentucky Home, click here.
Cadet Class 107 at the State Capitol Building
