Lt. Gov. Coleman, Kentucky State Police Celebrate Promotion of 37 Troopers and Officers

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Official release

Source material from Kentucky State Police. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Lt. Gov. Coleman, Kentucky State Police Celebrate Promotion of 37 Troopers and Officers

Newly promoted personnel will uphold the agency’s commitment to public safety

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2026) – Today, Lt. Gov. Coleman joined the Kentucky State Police to celebrate the promotion of 37 KSP troopers and officers into leadership roles, including one lieutenant colonel, three majors, five captains, nine lieutenants and 19 sergeants who will help continue building a safer New Kentucky Home.

“These law enforcement leaders take on a sacred responsibility in guiding this agency and their colleagues by stepping into these new roles today,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “I am proud of their commitment to our commonwealth, and I continue to pray for safe, successful careers for each of you.”

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. emphasized the importance of accountability, mentorship and leading by example as the newly promoted personnel take on their expanded responsibilities.

“A promotion is about much more than a new rank, a new badge number or added responsibilities,” Commissioner Burnett said. “It is about being there for others, helping those around you succeed and making a positive difference along the way. Never forget that leadership is about people. Take the time to mentor others, encourage them, recognize their potential and lead by the example you set each day.”

The newly promoted troopers and officers are:

Lieutenant Colonel

Major Marshall Johnson was promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned as Director of Administrative Services.

Major

Captain Alison Ramsey was promoted to major and has been assigned to the Office of Administrative Services.

Captain Derek Smith was promoted to major and has been assigned to the Office of Administrative Services.

Captain Bradly Stotts was promoted to major and has been assigned to the Office of Technical Services.

Captain

Lieutenant Christopher Burton was promoted to captain and has been assigned to Post 8, Morehead.

Lieutenant Mitchel Hazelett was promoted to captain and has been assigned to the Electronic Crime Branch.

Lieutenant Charles Hedgespeth was promoted to captain and has been assigned to the Recruitment Branch.

Lieutenant David Holland was promoted to captain and has been assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.

Lieutenant Zachary Lusk was promoted to captain and has been assigned to the Aircraft Support Branch.

Lieutenant

Sergeant Jared Clemons was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 4, Elizabethtown.

Sergeant Andrew Lee was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 12, Frankfort.

Sergeant Jeffery Moore was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 8, Morehead.

Sergeant Kevin Newsome was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 9, Pikeville.

Sergeant Bobby Roberts was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.

Sergeant Jeffery Stumbo was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.

Sergeant Travis Sturgill was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to Post 4, Elizabethtown.

Sergeant Matthew Sudduth was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to the Public Affairs Branch.

Sergeant Zachary Thompson was promoted to lieutenant and has been assigned to the Supply Branch.

Sergeant

Officer Gregory Baxter was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to the Facilities Security Branch.

Officer Andrew Teaney was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to the Drivers Testing Branch.

Trooper Shawn Boroviak was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 10, Harlan.

Trooper Charles Brandenburg was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to DESI East.

Trooper Zachary Bryson was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to DESI East.

Trooper Brian Graves was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 3, Bowling Green.

Trooper Matthew Johnson was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 5, Campbellsburg.

Trooper Jonathan Ledford was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.

Trooper Jared Payton was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to the Special Response Team.

Trooper Dylon Pennington was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.

Trooper James Phelps was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to the Critical Incident Response Team.

Trooper Daniel Mann was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 4, Elizabethtown.

Trooper Robert Martin was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 8, Morehead.

Trooper Carl Roark was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 4, Elizabethtown.

Trooper James Royal was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 7, Richmond.

Trooper Gary Smith was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 6, Dry Ridge.

Trooper James Stewart was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 1, Mayfield.

Trooper Cody Stiltner was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 14, Ashland.

Trooper Anthony Trotter was promoted to sergeant and has been assigned to Post 13, Hazard.

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.

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.

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Editor’s Note: To view photos from the promotion ceremony, click here.

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Release text attributed to Kentucky State Police. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.