Kentucky State Police Post 7 Troopers Recognized at Annual Awards Ceremony
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 3, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers who went above and beyond the call of service in 2025. The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer commonwealth for future generations.
In 2025, KSP responded to 532,600 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators, secured justice for victims, and assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed to promote safety throughout the commonwealth.
Recipients from the Post 7 area include:
- Detective David Hobbs was named the 2025 Post 7 Detective of the Year. Detective Hobbs is a 15-year veteran of the agency.
- Trooper Jason Montgomery was named the 2025 Post 7 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Montgomery is a 4-year veteran of the agency.
Among the honorees were the three Post 7 troopers who took action during the aftermath of the May 16, 2025, EF-4 tornado to rescue numerous Kentuckians in dangerous conditions. This powerful tornado was on the ground for nearly 60 miles through Laurel, Pulaski and Russell counties. The National Weather Service found it to be one of the strongest tornadoes to ever impact this area, and the deadliest, killing 19 Kentuckians and leaving communities in rubble.
“During the May tornado, our troopers truly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by running toward the victims and survivors trapped in debris,” Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “Because of their heroic actions, the lives of countless Kentuckians were saved.”
Post 7 troopers awardees who responded to the tornado include:
- Trooper Gary Cooper received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Cooper is a 9-year veteran of the agency.
- Trooper Adam Quiles received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Quiles is a 4-year veteran of the agency.
- Trooper Garrett Gilbert received a Meritorious Service Award. Trooper Gilbert is a 5-year veteran of the agency.
A complete list of award recipients is available on the KSP website.
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.
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Editor’s Note: photo identification (left to right) Trooper Garrett Gilbert, Trooper Adam Quiles, Trooper Gary Cooper and Detective David Hobbs. Not shown: Trooper Jason Montgomery.
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