Lt. Governor Steve Pence presented Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Officer Derek Hines with KVE’s “Jason Cammack – Officer of the Year Award,” at a ceremony October 12.
KVE also honored 10 other officers, a civilian employee and two citizens during the awards ceremony.

“We have some of the best law enforcement officers in the nation,” said Pence, who is also the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet secretary. “I’ve been around a lot of officers in my life, including my times as U.S. Attorney. I’ve never been around a better group of men and women.”

The Jason Cammack – Officer of the Year Award was named in honor of the first KVE officer killed in the line of duty. Cammack died April 23, 2000 in a car accident while he attempted to stop a speeding vehicle. The award is given to a sworn KVE officer who is a true professional and who excels above and beyond performing his duties.

Hines, of Lincoln County, voluntarily attended extra training in interdiction and became a child safety seat-certified officer during 2003. He performed 440 safety inspections, opened 82 drug cases and made 56 arrests, including 14 for DUI.

“His work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude has brought great distinction to himself and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement;” KVE Commissioner Greg Howard said during the ceremoney.

Other officers honored at the event were Tim Prichard, Meritorious Service Award; Thomas Gearheart, Meritorious Service Award and DUI Award; Tony Wilson, Meritorious Service Award; Steve Burke, Meritorious Service Award; Dennis Hutchinson, Drug Award; Joey Conn, Drug Award; Carol Gootee, Civilian Employee of the year Award; Capt. Phillip Frazier, Bravery Award; Sgt. Phillip Frazier Jr., Bravery Award; James MaGaha, Life Saving Award and Ken Hightower, Life Saving Award. KVE presented Donald Bandach, Madison County, and Phillip Hicks, Knott County, with the Outstanding Citizen Award.

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