37.

Kentucky State police, troopers and officers have died while in service to the Commonwealth.

Today, the KSP community honored the fallen and their families with a memorial service in Frankfort.

I am what others did not want to be.

I went where others failed to go risk in danger.

My constant companion.

I have seen the face of terror.

Felt the staying of cold fear and.

Enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.

I have helped people in times of stress and sad others in the times of trouble.

I have.

Cried, loved and hoped, but most of all have.

Honored my commitment to serve.

And protect for which I have paid.

The ultimate sacrifice in the name of service above self.

I am a Kentucky State trooper.

Today we take a moment to remember 37 Kentucky State police, troopers, officers and highway patrolman who lost their lives to ensure our public safety.

Since the inception of this agency 76 years ago, that's 37 children.

Parents, friends and pillars of the community that we lost far too early.

It's 37 Kentuckians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of creating a safe home where their own children, grandchildren and loved ones could live safely without fear.

These 37 heroes served bravely.

They thought of their fellow Kentuckians first, leaving their families each morning to stand in between our families and danger.

They served in a way the majority of us will never be able to understand.

And for that, Kentucky is forever grateful.

But we also gather to recognize the sacrifices of those left behind.

We want you to know that you will never be forgotten and the sacrifice of your loved one.

And you will always be a family to us.

For the family members here today.

I can assure you that no single cadet that leaves these grounds until they know the story behind all these heroes, not only how they died, but how they lived.

That their service.

Most of which occurred before most of these cadets were even born.

But it's imperative for our agency continuing on to know the sacrifices is that every one of us, including myself, stand down for their dedication and their service to this agency and this Commonwealth.

I believe we can all agree that one instance that split second when everything changed was not defined who these men were.

In addition to the tragedy of losing an officer in the line of duty.

We have lost sons, fathers, husbands, fathers, uncles, colleagues and friends.

Commissioner BURNETT and Governor Beshear.

Your troopers are the gold standard.

I deal with many agencies and have never seen anything like this.

The service also honored the late J. Michael Brown, who held cabinet level positions in the gubernatorial administrations of both Andy and his father, Steve Beshear.