Several Kentucky State Police personnel assigned to Post 15 Columbia were recognized for exceptional service during the agency’s annual Sworn Awards Ceremony, including a detective who earned the organization’s highest investigative honor.
The ceremony, held July 24, honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers from across the state for going above and beyond the call of duty during 2025.
Detective Dexter Colvin was named both the 2025 Post 15 Detective of the Year and the Kentucky State Police Detective of the Year. Colvin, a nine-year veteran, received the statewide honor for his investigative work.
Capt. Jeremy Smith received a Meritorious Service Award with a V-device. Smith has served with the Kentucky State Police for 21 years.
Trooper Joshua Smith, a three-year veteran, was named the 2025 Post 15 Trooper of the Year.
Master Trooper Jonathan Houk was recognized as the 2025 Kentucky State Police Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Houk has served with the agency for 16 years.
According to the Kentucky State Police, the annual awards recognize sworn personnel who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, leadership and dedication to serving communities across the Commonwealth.
During 2025, Kentucky State Police responded to more than 532,600 calls for service statewide. Troopers and detectives also conducted thousands of wellness checks during severe weather, investigated crimes against children, assisted local law enforcement agencies and worked to bring justice to crime victims.
