Kentucky State Police Post 15 Civilian Employee Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Public Safety

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COLUMBIA, Ky. (SPA) — The Kentucky State Police recognized 14 civilian employees Friday for their exceptional contributions to public safety, highlighting the vital role non-sworn personnel play in law enforcement operations across the commonwealth.

The ceremony, led by KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., honored employees across multiple categories, including the 2024 Civilian of the Year, Career Achievement, and specialized service awards spanning from forensic science to telecommunications.

Long-serving Camp Leader Recognized

Among the notable recipients was Jeff Brown of Albany, who received the Career Achievement Award for his 27-year tenure as Mechanical Maintenance and Operations Supervisor at Trooper Island Camp. Brown's dedication spans nearly half of the camp's 60-year history, during which he has helped construct, rebuild, or remodel every building on the property.

"Jeff is a tremendous asset to Trooper Island and is pivotal to keeping the camp operations running smoothly," said Master Trooper Scott Ferrell, the camp's commander. "Jeff has been a fixture at Trooper Island for many years and is great while interacting with the children that attend camp every summer."

Brown's efforts have directly impacted an estimated 17,000 campers since 1998, contributing to the facility's mission of building positive relationships between law enforcement and youth.

Forensic Laboratory Director Named Top Civilian

Jeremy Triplett, a 24-year KSP veteran recently appointed as the agency's forensic laboratory director, earned the 2024 Civilian of the Year award. Triplett spearheaded a major $300,000 upgrade of the laboratory's information management system while maintaining the facility's national accreditation.

His leadership in forensic services also earned recognition from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Academy, which presented him with its Distinguished Service Award.

Supporting Critical Operations

The awards ceremony underscored the diverse roles civilian employees fill within KSP's operations. The 800 civilian staff members work in telecommunications, vehicle maintenance, driver testing, information technology, public relations, and records management—functions essential to the agency's daily operations.

"Civilian personnel are vital to the success of this agency," Commissioner Burnett said during the ceremony. "They are the agency's trusted partners working hand in hand with our troopers and officers, supporting everything from frontline response to long-term casework. Their dedication and loyalty do not go unnoticed."

Full Recognition List

The complete roster of 2024 KSP civilian award recipients includes:

• Administrative Services: Donnie Webster, Event Coordinator I, Public Affairs Branch
• Career Achievement: Jeff Brown, Mechanical Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, Trooper Island Camp
• Commercial Vehicle Support: Brandon Arwood, Inspector I, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Central Region
• Drivers Testing: Christy Eatmon, Certified Driver's Test Examiner, Driver Testing Branch
• Forensic Services Support: Kim Rogers, Forensic Scientist Specialist II, Central Laboratory Branch
• Information Technology: Laurie Buchanan, Justice Program Administrator, Electronic Crime Branch
• Police Communication Support: Carole Waldrop, Public Safety Telecommunicator II, Post 3, Bowling Green; Brittany Scroggins, Public Safety Telecommunicator III, Post 6, Dry Ridge; Christopher Taylor, Public Safety Telecommunicator III, Post 13, Hazard
• Post Operations Support: Mike Johnson, Maintenance Worker, Post 1, Mayfield; Adam Wilson, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Intelligence Branch
• Records Technical Support: Michael Vanatta, Grants Administrator, Division of Records Management
• Supervisor of the Year: Jeremy Triplett, Forensic Laboratory Director, KSP Forensic Laboratory System
• Supplies Properties Management: Misty Stone, Facilities Maintenance Worker, KSP Headquarters

The recognition ceremony reflects KSP's commitment to acknowledging all personnel who contribute to public safety, regardless of whether they wear a badge or work behind the scenes in support roles.

The agency is recruiting interested individuals who have an ambition to create a better, safer commonwealth for future generations. For more information and to apply, click here. 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.

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