FRANKFORT, KY – A Kentucky State Police trooper killed in the line of duty will be awarded posthumously with the Governor’s Medal of Valor.
A statement from the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet says Governor Bevin will present the award to the family of 31-year-old Cameron Ponder on Friday during the Kentucky State Police Awards ceremony in Lexington.
Ponder was fatally shot in September after a high-speed chase involving a driver with a suspended license. Police said the driver, Joseph Johnson-Shanks, fired at Ponder’s patrol car, killing the officer. Johnson-Shanks was later shot and killed by police after pointing a gun at another trooper and refusing to lower it.
Other awards for bravery and dedication will be presented at the ceremony, including Trooper of the Year and Detective of the Year.