Annville Resident Graduates Among 40 New Troopers to Serve at KSP Posts

On October 30th, 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. Among thos in the graduating cadet class was Jonathan Collett, of Annville, Ky.

“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 near Jackson County are:

Post 7, RICHMOND
Jonathan Collett, Annville, Ky.
Grayson Domidion, Lancaster, Ky.
Riley Mullins, Jackson, Ky.
Tyler Whitaker, Beattyville, Ky.

Post 11, LONDON
Zachary Chesnut, London, Ky.
Jacob Loudermilk, Mount Vernon, Ky.

Collett was also among several members of the graduating class that 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 (of Annville, KY)
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.