2006 Award Recipients

2006 Jason Cammack Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Brandon Eggen

This is a prestigious honor and is only awarded to a sworn officer within the Department who possesses character, professionalism, demonstrated outstanding service, dedication and sacrifice to their profession.

Lieutenant Brandon Eggen has been awarded with the 2006 Jason Cammack Officer Award for his numerous accomplishments and his devotion and years of service to Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement.

A 9-year veteran of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Lt. Eggen is assigned to KVE Post 4 in Shelbyville, which covers Bullet, Spencer, Anderson, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Franklin and Henry counties. Some of his accomplishments over the past year include:

·        Selection as a pilot candidate for KVE’s new aviation section.

·        Selection as a representative from KVE for the Kentucky State Police KY OPS Computer System program.

·        Instrumental in the state’s first project of running radar from a commercial vehicle to curb aggressive driving.

·        First KVE officer to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

When he wasn't busy with the above projects, Lt. Eggen found time to help run a region, actively work the road and help with internal affairs when needed. In the past, Lt. Eggen has participated in public service announcements, press conferences, received the Governor's DUI Award, served on the Awards Board Committee as well as numerous additional committees for this department.

This officer brings honor and distinction to the department with professionalism and never ending dedication.  This officer embodies the very spirit and enthusiasm that made Jason Cammack special. It is with great honor that we present the “Jason Cammack Officer of the Year Award” for 2006 to Lieutenant Brandon Eggen.

Inspector Brent Johnson

The Inspector of the Year Award is given to an Inspector within this agency who has demonstrated outstanding service to his/her profession.

This Inspector although new to the agency is a proven asset already. This Inspector always projects a professional image and is a source of knowledge for those who seek clarification of regulations. In 2006, Inspector Brent Johnson performed over 1,220 inspections. There were 838 level one inspections, 257 hazardous material inspections and 53 bus inspections. Inspector Johnson issued 778 citations for safety violations and maintained over 20% of his total inspections as hazardous materials. 

This Inspector has been instrumental in removing unsafe vehicles and fatigued drivers off the road making Kentucky’s highways safer for all who use them. Inspector Johnson is also a member of the regional roving weigh detail working one day a week away from the scales. He is last years Inspector of the Year and once again represents Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement with pride and dignity.

Janet Byrum

The Civilian Employee of the Year Award is given to a civilian within this agency who has demonstrated outstanding service to their profession.

This employee has shown loyalty and dedication to Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement by setting and achieving goals that enhance this department's future growth. This employee has devoted long hours selflessly to ensure that "everything" gets done correctly.

Besides just giving the support required, Janet Byrum has placed an intense amount of herself in all tasks she performs. All personnel in Janet's region are certain that they can count on her abilities and accomplishments to support them to any degree of success they may strive toward. 

Known as "Post Mom" by her friends and co-workers, Janet Byrum brings honor and distinction to this department.

Officer Keith Justice

The Medal of Valor is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a sworn employee of this Department for conspicuous heroism in the line of duty. That employee must act in the face of personal danger without hesitation or regard for his own life and well being. The employee shall have undertaken said action willingly and with full knowledge of the grave risks. This act of heroism is clearly above and beyond the call or risk of ordinary duty.

On December 28, 2006, Officer Keith Justice and other KVE officers, along with officers from additional agencies, were searching for armed robbery suspects. A pursuit started on US 119 in Pike County with the subject traveling south in the northbound lanes of traffic narrowly missing oncoming traffic several times. During the pursuit, units deployed stop sticks and deflated the tires on the suspects vehicle. The car continued, endangering the lives of everyone on the road and the pursuing officers. When the vehicle was finally stopped on US 23, the driver surrendered without further incident. The passenger was believed to be armed with a handgun and shotgun. After refusing to comply with commends to exit the vehicle and drop his weapon, the suspect displayed a handgun and closed the vehicle door. At that time, numerous officers surrounded the vehicle. The suspect suddenly leaped into the driver's seat and placed the vehicle in gear and accelerated causing the vehicle to lunge towards officers placing them in danger, again. Officer Justice fired his service weapon fatally wounding the subject.

Officer Justice is recognized for his brave and immediate actions that prevented further endangerment to the lives and safety of the public and other officers.

The Bravery Award is given to employee's within the Department who perform extraordinary acts of bravery in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Kevin Rogers

On January 25, 2006 Mr. Joseph Lacewell was traveling in I-24 in Marshall County. He drove a commercial vehicle containing flammable liquids. His vehicle struck another vehicle causing his fuel tank to rupture and burst into flames. His vehicle struck the concrete divide barrier and came to a stop.

Off duty KVE Lieutenant Kevin Rogers witnessed the incident and immediately stopped to render aid. Mr Lacewell exited his vehicle which was fully engulfed and collapsed face down on the ground. Lt. Rogers began dragging Mr. Lacewell away from the burning vehicle only minutes before the tank of flammable liquid exploded.

A passing motorist called for EMS, Fire and Rescue. Lt. Rogers then summoned a female motorist to stay with Mr. Lacewell. Lt. Rogers instructed her on how to prevent him from going into shock and how to monitor his condition until help arrived. Lt. Rogers then began stopping traffic from trying to pass the burning vehicle.

Mr. Lacewell suffered multiple injuries, but the quick thinking and bravery of Lt. Kevin Rogers resulted in the saving of a life that otherwise might not have occurred. 

Officer Dennis Hutchinson

On May 26, 2006 Officer Dennis Hutchinson went to back up KSP Trooper Hicks on a call about a man threatening a business with a gun. Before Officer Hutchinson arrived, shots were fired at the Trooper and other officers. The suspect was fleeing on foot toward some houses after crashing his vehicle. Officer Hutchinson noticed that several residents and small children were present so Officer Hutchinson placed himself between the suspect and the bystanders.

Officer Hutchinson placed himself in grave danger to prevent the suspect from endangering innocent bystanders.

Officer Robert Curtis

On May 3, 2006 two armed men robbed the First Federal Bank of Evansville, Indiana. When the Evansville Police department began to pursue the suspects, they fled into Kentucky where KVE was notified. Officer Robert Curtis quickly with no thought of his own safety assisted in setting up position on the Kentucky side of the river. As the vehicle crossed into Kentucky, it attempted to ram a KVE cruiser. Officer Curtis maintained his calm and gave chase.

During the extensive pursuit, a passenger in the suspect's vehicle fired several shots at the pursuing officers. The driver of the fleeing vehicle wrecked and both suspects attempted to flee on foot. Both suspects were apprehended with the assistance of a local police canine without injury to them or any officers.

Officer Michael Ross

The Life Saving Medal is awarded to an employee of this agency who has performed a life saving act under extraordinary circumstances.

On the afternoon of March 2, 2006, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement personnel were informed of a serious vehicle crash on I-64. Officer Michael Ross responded to discover that a mini-van had crossed the east bound lanes of traffic and jumped over a guardrail and was lying over an embankment. Officer Ross descended the embankment and found that two year old Carlene Catcart had been thrown from the vehicle and was face down, unresponsive and not breathing. Officer Ross started CPR on Carlene and she eventually began to breathe on her own again. 

Carlene stayed in Huntington / Cabell County Hospital for several weeks in critical condition where she eventually made a full recovery. Emergency room personnel at the hospital indicated that quick response and actions by Officer Ross at the scene saved the life of young Miss Catcart.

Officer Landry Collett

The D.U.I. Award is given to a sworn officer within the department that has achieved the most D.U.I. arrests within a one-year time frame.

Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement’s mission statement is: To encourage and promote a safe driving environment through education and safety awareness while enforcing State & Federal laws and regulations, placing special emphasis on commercial vehicles.  The department has always taken pride in doing our best to accomplish this goal.  This year’s recipient has received statewide recognition and we would like to honor him with the D.U.I. Award for our Department.

This officer is a dedicated professional with a commitment to safety and has removed over 450 impaired drivers from Kentucky highways in 2006. He spends many of his days off in court testifying against D.U.I. suspects.

K-9 Officer Steve Burke

 K-9 Officer Randy Honeycutt

Officer Joey Conn

The Drug Enforcement Award is bestowed on Officer's and/or Inspectors of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement who have overall performed the most outstanding amount of work in drug enforcement.

On January 30, 2006 Officers Burke, Honeycutt and Conn made what was at the time the largest marijuana seizure in Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement history. A tractor trailer combination unit was stopped in London, Kentucky and an inspection was performed which indicators were present that warranted further search of the vehicle. Upon further inspection, over 1,300 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of approximately 2 million dollars.

On June 5, 2006 a traffic stop was made on a 1994 Nissan Quest Mini Van. The odor of Marijuana was detected and upon further inspection, thirty-nine bundles of pressed marijuana were discovered totaling 480 pounds.

On both occasions, KVE Officers Burke, Honeycutt and Conn have shown great diligence and determination in their quest to deter the flow of illegal drugs into our communities. They have brought credibility to our department from both State and Federal agencies across the nation.

Officer Thomas Gearheart

On July 10, 2006 Officer Thomas Gearheart responded to the residence of a domestic violence victim for a welfare check. Upon arriving, he found an intoxicated subject who was armed with a shotgun. After a brief altercation, Officer Gearheart was able to subdue the subject and detain him without further incident.

Officer Keith Justice

On December 28, 2006 KVE Officers Keith Justice and Thomas Gearheart were searching for armed robbery suspects. A local Sheriffs deputy made contact about the location of the robbery suspects and Officers Justice and Gearheart joined the pursuit with Kentucky State Police Troopers. Stop sticks were deployed, deflating three of the suspect's tires. The chase ended soon after, but not before those fleeing had placed the motoring public in great danger.

Officer Kevin Belcher

On August 3, 2006 Officer Kevin Belcher made a traffic stop on a commercial vehicle. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the driver was under the influence of narcotics. KVE Officer Keith Justice arrived to provide assistance. The passenger in the vehicle was found to be under the influence as well. Upon further investigation, a search was conducted that led to fourteen drug related cases being opened on the suspects (six were felonies).

Sergeant Tony Wilson                                             Officer Joey Conn

The Meritorious Achievement Award is given to an employee within the department who has completed acts of distinction. 
 
On May 12, 2006 Sergeant Tony Wilson and Officer Joey Conn were working in the Laurel County when Sgt. Wilson stopped a 1999 Honda Civic for traffic violations. Officer Conn assisted Sgt. Wilson with the stop where it was discovered that the vehicle wasn't registered to either the driver or passenger, but to a subject in Charlotte, N.C.

During a search of the vehicle, several suspicious items were found that led these officers to ask local officers in North Carolina to check on the safety of the owner. Upon further investigation, the owner of the vehicle was found slain in his home, resulting in charges including murder and robbery for the two men.

Both officers have displayed the spirit of excellence that we have all come to expect from Kentucky Vehicle

Officer Anthony Bersaglia

The 2006 Officer recipient is a knowledgeable professional who has shown an overall commitment to safety in these areas. Officer Anthony Bersaglia conducted over 680 safety inspections in 2006. Of that number, Officer Bersaglia conducted 383 level 1 inspections, 107 hazardous materials inspections and weighed over 420 commercial vehicles on portable scales. Officer Bersaglia issued 1,671 citations to CMV's which include 276 speeding violations and 269 serious traffic violations. His hard work and dedication have brought honor and distinction to him and the department. 

Inspector Brent Johnson

The 2006 Inspector is a knowledgeable professional who has shown an overall commitment to safety in these areas. Inspector Brent Johnson conducted over 1,020 safety inspections in 2006. Included in that numnber are 831 level 1 inspections, 257 hazardous material inspections and 53 bus inspections. Inspector Johnson has issued 778 citations related to safety inspection violations. Over 20% of his safety inspections have been hazardous material inspections. Inspector Johnson's hard work and dedication have brought honor and distinction to him and the department.