This page contains archived Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Headlines. Please click on the links below to view the stories.
Date: April 18, 2005
Kentucky Law Enforcement Issues Consortium’s First Meeting Provides Vital Networking Opportunity for Law Enforcement Executives
Richmond, KY: Lt. Gov. Stephen B. Pence appointed nearly 50 of Kentucky’s top law enforcement executives and professional association leaders to the newly created Kentucky Law Enforcement Issues Consortium (KLIC) April 14. KLIC, a collaborative effort between the Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, was comprised of top leaders of Kentucky’s five professional law enforcement associations.
Press Release
Date: April 14, 2005
Lt. Governor Steve Pence Announces Taskforce to Strengthen Kentucky Sex Offender Laws
Frankfort, KY – Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence today announced the formation of the Kentucky Coalition Against Sexual Assaults. The taskforce is charged with recommending ways to strengthen Kentucky’s sex offender laws and enhanced tracking and notification procedures to reduce the risk that convicted sex offenders strike again.
Press Release
Date: April 12, 2005
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Officers Receive New Officer Safety Equipment
Frankfort, KY – Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence announced the complete installation of 211 new radios for Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) officers. The Motorola ASTRO Project 25 UHF radios replace a fifty-year old communication system that didn’t work in some parts of the state.
Press Release
Date: March 31, 2005
Kentucky State Police Trooper Injured On Military Duty In Iraq
FRANKFORT, KY -A Kentucky State Police Trooper on active military duty with the Kentucky National Guard in Iraq sustained severe injuries yesterday when the vehicle he was riding in struck a land mine, overturned and caught fire. Trooper Ricky M. Brooks, 25, of Center City in Metcalfe County, received second and third degree burns to his face, head and hands. He also sustained a head injury that required treatment.
Press Release
Date: March 26, 2005
Thirty-Six Cadets Graduate From Kentucky State Police Academy
Frankfort, KY—Thirty-six new state troopers received diplomas during Kentucky State Police Academy graduation ceremonies today in Frankfort. With their addition to the force, the agency strength reaches a total of 966 sworn officers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Press Release
Photo (443k)
Date: March 19, 2005
Two Students and High Schools Recognized by KSP at Boy’s Sweet Sixteen Tournament
Lexington, KY: Two Kentucky high school students and their schools were honored at center court in front of thousands of basketball fans gathered to watch the semi-finals of the Boy’s Sweet Sixteen Tournament in Rupp Arena today.
Press Release
Photo (44k)
Photo Cutline: Joining Jessy Williams (Center)for the presentation were (left to right): Trooper Greg Larimore, public affairs officer at KSP Post 5 in Campbellsburg, Ron Jackson, president of KADA, Lt. Col. Dean Hayes, director of the KSP Operations Division and Brenda Williams, Jessy’s mother.
Date: March 11, 2005
Schomig named Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Corrections
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner John D. Rees today announced that James M. Schomig, a 28-year veteran of the Corrections profession, has been named Deputy Commissioner for the Department. He will be responsible for supervision of support services in the areas of administrative services, corrections training, budget management, correctional industries, offender information and information technology.
Press Release
Date: March 10, 2005
Governor Ernie Fletcher announces state will run Elliott County prison
Sandy Hook, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher today announced that the new medium-security prison in Elliott County will be operated with Department of Corrections security staff. The administration may contract with private companies for food and health care services.
Press Release
Date: March 8, 2005
Statement from Governor Ernie Fletcher on the passage of Senate Bill 63
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher released a statement today on the passage of Senate Bill 63, which would make it more difficult for criminals to acquire the key ingredient of pseudoephedrine needed to make meth. Senate Bill 63 is sponsored by Senator Robert Stivers (R-Manchester).
Governor's Statement
Date: March 8, 2005
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Receives $258,000 Asset Forfeiture Money From the DEA For Recent Cash Seizure
Frankfort, KY - Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) accepted a $257,213.78 asset forfeiture check today from the Drug Enforcement Agency. The money stems from a cash seizure KVE made in Hardin County on July 7, 2004.
Press Release
Photo
Photo Cutline: U.S. Marshal Rick McCubbin, left, and Gary Oetjen, DEA, second from right, present Sgt. Greg Jenkins and Ofc. Jeff Jenkins of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement with a $258,000 asset forfeiture check from a recent cash seizure.
Date: March 4, 2005
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Makes Second Major Drug Bust This Year
Frankfort, KY - Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) officers seized approximately 700 pounds of marijuana on Tuesday night at a weigh station just off Interstate 65 in Simpson County.
Press Release
Date: March 3, 2005
Motorcycle Raffle to Benefit Trooper Island
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is raffling a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to benefit Trooper Island Inc., a non-profit camp for disadvantaged children.
Press Release
Motorcycle Picture
Date: March 2, 2005
Governor Ernie Fletcher’s methamphetamine bill passes unanimously through House of Representatives
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher’s plan to crack down on the manufacturing and illegal use of methamphetamine cleared a major hurdle today. The House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 63, which would make it more difficult for criminals to acquire the key ingredient of pseudoephedrine needed to make meth.
Press Release
Date: March 1, 2005
Governor Ernie Fletcher Notes Passing of George Wilson, First African-American to Serve as Kentucky Cabinet Secretary
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher today noted the passing of George W. Wilson, who was corrections secretary under two governors and was the first African-American to serve as a cabinet officer in Kentucky.
Press Release
Date: March 1, 2005
President of the Kentucky Women in Law Enforcement to Serve as Deputy Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security
Frankfort, KY: Governor Fletcher, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence and Director of Homeland Security Keith Hall announced today that Major Alecia Edgington of Kenton County has been detailed by Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to serve as the Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Prevention Initiatives.
Press Release
Date: February 25, 2005
House of Representatives Honors Injured KSP Trooper
FRANKFORT, KY: The Kentucky House of Representatives announced a resolution on Feb. 24 honoring Kentucky State Trooper Rick Conn. The officer was severely injured last year while helping rescue residents at the scene of a natural gas line explosion in Floyd County.
Press Release
Trooper Conn (45k)
Photo cutline: Representative Chuck Meade (D-Floyd County) left with Trooper Rick Conn after a House resolution honoring Conn was read on the House floor.
Date: February 24, 2005
Four Kentucky State Police Officers Promoted
FRANKFORT, KY– The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the promotion of four officers during a ceremony held at the Kentucky State Police Headquarters in Frankfort last Thursday.
Press Release
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KSP Promotions (50k)
Photo cutline: KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller presents Sgt. Randy Woods with his promotional certificate.
KSP Promotions (50k)
Photo cutline: KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller presents Lt. Bobby Johnson with his promotional certificate.
KSP Promotions (50k)
Photo cutline: KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller presents Capt. Deron Berthold with his promotional certificate.
KSP Promotions (50k)
Photo cutline: KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller presents Major James Vanhook with his promotional certificate.
Date: February 21, 2005
Cabinet Awards Federal Grant Money to Combat Domestic Violence
FRANKFORT, KY - On behalf of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence awarded nearly $2 million in Federal grant money to 33 different groups today. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds the grant award money.
Press Release
Date: February 11, 2005
Governor Fletcher Announces Crackdown on Illegal Video Lottery Terminals (VLT)
Frankfort, KY: On Friday, February 11, 2005, Kentucky State troopers, Alcoholic Beverage Control agents and Charitable Gaming investigators joined together for the culmination of the first phase of an investigation into illegal video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the Commonwealth.
Press Release
Date: February 11, 2005
The Office of Drug Control Policy Names New Executive Director
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today that Franklin County Judge-Executive Teresa Barton will serve as the new executive director of Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP). Barton replaces Interim Executive Director Sylvia Lovely, who is the Kentucky League of Cites as executive director.
Press Release
Teresa Barton Biography
Governor Ernie Fletcher Announces Methamphetamine Initiative
Frankfort, KY: Standing before a crowd at a Kroger pharmacy today, Governor Ernie Fletcher, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence and the Attorney General’s Office announced a comprehensive measure to effectively address the growing crisis of methamphetamine production and use in Kentucky.
Press Release
Governor Fletcher's Oped
Elizabethtown Business Donates Boat to Trooper Island
Louisville, KY: WASSERcraft Marine Dynamics Inc. presented one of its new boats to Lt. Governor Stephen B. Pence and Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commissioner Mark L. Miller, both of whom accepted it on behalf of Trooper Island Inc.
Press Release
General Motors and the National Corvette Museum Donate Corvette to KSP
Bowling Green, KY: General Motors and the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. have donated a blue 1997 Corvette Coupe to the Kentucky State Police for anti-theft training purposes.
Press Release
Photo (47k)
Troopers Serving Our Nation and Commonwealth
Frankfort, KY: Two Kentucky State Police Troopers are currently serving in Iraq as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Trooper Tim Mullins (Left) of Post 13 in Hazard and Sgt. Tom McCarty (Right) of the KSP Cadet Academy pose with the KSP flag. Click on the link below to view the picture.
Troopers' Photo (556k)
Indiana Governor-elect appoints Kentucky Corrections official to head Indiana DOC
Frankfort, KY: Indiana Governor-elect Mitch Daniels today tapped Kentucky Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner J. David Donahue to serve as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction.
Press Release
Donahue Biography
KSP Cadets Help Local Families During Holiday Season
Frankfort, KY: Thanks to the efforts of Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 83, three Frankfort, Ky.-area families ended 2004 with a joyful holiday season. Braving an approaching ice storm, the cadets distributed food and gifts of clothing and toys to the families and their seven children on December 22, 2004.
Press Release
Seven Die on Kentucky Roadways During New Year’s Holiday Period
Frankfort, KY: Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways during the New Year’s holiday period. This is an increase of two fatalities from the four-day 2003-2004 New Year’s holiday period during which five people died in five crashes.
Press Release
Kentucky State Police Looking for Trooper Island Alumni
Frankfort, KY: The Kentucky State Police are attempting to locate Trooper Island Alumni in order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Trooper Island, a camp for underprivileged children.
Press Release
Trooper Island Website 
Move Over Kentucky, It’s the Law! Transportation Cabinet begins installing signs to remind motorists of "Move Over" Law
Frankfort, KY -Beginning this week, motorists traveling Kentucky’s roadways will begin seeing reminders to "Move Over" when they see the flashing lights of law enforcement or emergency service vehicles on the side of the highway.
Press Release
Kentucky State Police To Follow Aggressive Enforcement During Christmas-New Year’s Holiday Period
Frankfort, KY: Auto travel is expected to reach record levels throughout the nation during the Christmas-New Year holiday. As a result, the Kentucky State Police is starting its highway enforcement efforts early to combat a possible surge in traffic deaths.
Press Release
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Officers Help Needy Children During this Holiday Season
Manchester, KY: Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers and personnel, in conjunction with the KVE Professional Association, shopped with 85 children last Friday December 17 at the Wal-Mart in Clay County.
Press Release
Photo Gallery
Chief Justice Lambert and Lt. Governor Pence Make Drug Court Announcement in McCracken County
Paducah, KY: Individuals facing drug-related charges in McCracken County will soon have access to a court designed specifically to address this issue.
Press Release
Photo Gallery
KSP Seizes 1,400 Pounds of Marijuana in Eastern Kentucky valued at $2.1 million dollars
Frankfort, KY: On Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 18:00 hours, Officers from the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement East Branch, intercepted a 97 Freightliner Tractor-Trailer on US 23 near the Pike County / Letcher County line. The suspect packages were found in the box trailer with a total approximate weight of 1,400 pounds.
Press Release
KVE and KSP Officers Recognized For Impaired Driving Enforcement And Highway Safety Efforts
Lexington, KY: Law enforcement officers, agencies and individuals from across the state were recognized for outstanding achievement at the 2004 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony held today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.
Press Release
Kentucky State Police To Participate In Operation CARE Lifesaver Weekend
Frankfort, KY: The Kentucky State Police will be boosting its presence on the state’s roadways this weekend as part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) Lifesavers Weekend.
Press Release
Secretary Pence Rides Motorcycle in the 22nd Annual Toys for Tots Run
Frankfort, KY: Lt. Governor Pence was the Grand Marshal for the 22nd Annual Toys for Tots Run, which included over 8,000 motorcyclists. Pence rode his 2002 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Motorcycle during the 20-mile parade on November 28th. The Kentucky Motorcycle Association and the Marine Corps League sponsored the event.
Photos
Courier Journal Article 
KSP Officer Elected President Of State Law Enforcement Group
Kentucky State Police Major Alecia Webb-Edgington has been elected President of the Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN) for 2005. A 14-year state police veteran, Edgington currently serves as Chief Information Officer in the Technical Services Division at KSP headquarters in Frankfort.
Press Release
November is Peak Automobile/Deer Collision Season
Frankfort, KY: The Kentucky State Police caution motorists to be aware of the this peak season and offer tips on how to avoid deer/automobile collisions during November.
Press Release 
White House Drug Office Director Speaks at Kentucky ODCP Media Day
FRANKFORT, KY - Director John Walters of the Office of National Drug Control Policy discussed the national epidemic of substance abuse and applauded Kentucky's plan to comprehensively address the problem during the state Office of Drug Control Policy's media day in Lexington last week.
Press Release
Photos
KSP Trooper Injured In Explosion Continues Recovery
Frankfort, KY: Kentucky State Trooper Rick Conn is continuing his recovery in the burn unit of the Cabell-Huntington Hospital in West Virginia.
Press Release
Vehicle Enforcement, Highway Department Work Together to Issue Free Reflective Tape to Coal Trucks
HIGHWAY DISTRICT 12--Truckers traveling near the intersection of US 23 and KY 80 in Floyd County recently got a free safety treat, compliments of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and Highway District 12. KVE officers and District 12 workers washed off the backs of each truck that stopped and applied reflective safety tape to the vehicles.
Press Release
Photo 1 (135k)
Photo 2 (140k)
Kentucky State Police Offers Guidelines For a Safe Halloween
Frankfort, KY: Trick-or-treaters, parents, motorists and homeowners all play important roles in keeping Halloween safe, says Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller. “By observing the following tips and planning for a little extra caution, this holiday can be safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Press Release
KSP Cadets Face Challenging Journey During Training
FRANKFORT, KY - A group of 60 men and women began a life-changing journey in Frankfort today. They took their first step toward a goal they all share: becoming Kentucky State Troopers.
Press Release
Photos
New KSP Cadets Report For Training
Frankfort, KY: Members of the 83rd Kentucky State Police Cadet Class will begin a 22-week training course at the State Police Academy in Frankfort on Sunday, Oct. 24 with 63 cadet troopers reporting for duty.
Press Release
Fifteen Honored for Service to Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement
Frankfort, KY: Secretary of the Justice and Public Cabinet, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence joined KVE Commissioner Greg Howard to honor those who went above and beyond the call of duty during 2003-2004.
Press Release
The Kentucky State Police honored 27 Civilian Employees at Ceremony
Frankfort, KY: Lt. Gov. Stephen B. Pence (left) and KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller (right) presented Jerry Keathley, police communications dispatcher supervisor at Post 6 in Dry Ridge, with the KSP Civilian Employee of the Year Award.
Press Release
Lieutenant Governor, ODCP Meet with Director of National Drug Office
Frankfort, KY: Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence and Sylvia Lovely, interim executive director of Kentucky’s Office of Drug Control Policy, met with John P. Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, to share ideas and discuss efforts on the national and state level to reduce substance abuse.
Press Release
Photo (700kb)
New Highway Signs Will Protect Emergency Workers
Frankfort, KY: Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark L. Miller unveiled a new highway sign designed to better protect law enforcement and emergency service personnel who work along the state’s roadways.
Press Release
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller explains new technology for the Department
Frankfort, KY: Kentucky State Police to provide real time Crime Statistics.
Read the Op-Ed
Major Sonny Cease congratulated "Drive To Stay Alive" program graduates from 21 high schools across the state at KSP headquarters in Frankfort today.
View Larger Image (116k)
Veteran Attorney Joins the Cabinet
Frankfort, KY – Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence, Justice Cabinet Secretary, is pleased to announce that Dan Egbers has joined the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet as an Assistant General Counsel. Egbers has more then twenty years of legal experience in state government.
Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky David Huber presents Lt. Governor Steve Pence with drug forfeiture check
Louisville, KY-On behalf of the Kentucky State Police, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence accepted a $329,843.60 drug forfeiture check that will be used for law enforcement purposes in accordance with asset Forfeiture Fund guidelines.
Press Release
Photos
Teens get driving lessons from the Pros at Kentucky Motor Speedway
Sparta, KY- NASCAR Busch Series drivers Kasey Kahne (left front), Rusty Wallace (center front) and Jeremy Mayfield (right front) met with high school students from throughout the state today at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta to discuss the role of seat belts in highway safety. The students are attending the Kentucky State Police Drive To Stay Alive program, a five-day training course designed to make them aware of the most common factors leading to fatal crashes. After completing the program, the students will return to their schools and spread the safe driving message to their fellow students.
View larger image (48k)
Kentucky State Police Promotes 31 Officers
Frankfort, KY: The Kentucky State Police announced the promotion of 31 officers at a special ceremony held today at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort. One colonel, three lieutenant colonels, four majors, five captains, seven lieutenants and 11 sergeants were commissioned.
Press Release
Photos
NASCAR Busch Series Driver Teams Up With Kentucky State Police To Promote Seat Belt Use With Teens
Sparta, KY: NASCAR Busch Series driver Stan Boyd, of the Race Kentucky Motorsports team, met with 21 high school students from across the state at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. His message was clear and simple: seat belts save lives.
Press Release
Lt. Governor Steve Pence Presents Governor Ernie Fletcher with the Recommendations for the 2004 Statewide Drug Control Assessment Summit.
Frankfort, KY - Governor Ernie Fletcher, joined by Lt. Governor Steve Pence, announced Kentucky’s first comprehensive drug control plan to protect Kentucky families and communities from substance abuse. The policy, which is based on the recommendations of the Statewide Drug Control Assessment Summit, provides immediate and long-term strategies designed to more effectively address Kentucky’s substance abuse problems.
Governor Fletcher's Press Release
Pence's Remarks (443k)
Photos
For additional audio excerpts from Governor Fletcher and Founding Executive Director Sylvia Lovely, please visit http://governor.ky.gov.
For additional Kentucky Drug Summit information, please visit, http://www.kydrugsummit.ky.gov.
Trooper Awarded with Prestigious Medals for Herosim in Iraq
Ft. Campbell, KY - Kentucky State Police Trooper Steven Silfies was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in Iraq. He received this prestigious award in August of 2004 after he retired from the United States Army.
Press Release
Kentucky State Police Promotes Public Safety at this year's Kentucky State Fair
Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky State Police offered a plethora of activities to people of all ages at this year's Kentucky State Fair.
Press Release
Photos
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Tips the Scales with Elephants at the Louisville Zoo
Frankfort, KY - Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) officers weighed two elephants at the Louisville Zoo, using their portable scales, which are normally used for weighing commercial vehicles. Zoo officials requested the weigh-in as part of an annual health exam for the animals.
Press Release