LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky State Police has transformed what was previously a minimum security prison on Coffee Tree Road into what will be a new training academy.
“We have been training 21st century troopers with 20th center technology quite frankly for the last 20 or 30 years and I think this is gonna level the playing field,” said KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer.
You'll now find offices, a kitchen, cafeteria, classroom, and a gymnasium where troopers can train indoors year-round.
Until now, the training academy has been located on the top floor of KSP Headquarters.
It's not the only major project almost finished.
Last year, KSP started "The Trooper Project" to raise nearly $100,000 in donations for a bronze statue to honor all troopers, including those who died in the line of duty.
“But it's one of the most amazing pieces of artwork that I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of art,” said Commissioner Rodney Brewer.
Commissioner Rodney Brewer says KSP is close to reaching its goal.
Troopers have been fundraising by selling T-shirts.
Brewer kickstarted the fundraiser by hiking the Grand Canyon.
The statue is more than eight feet tall with even the smallest details of the KSP uniform visible.
The statue will sit in the center of the training academy. It will look a lot like a fallen trooper who never made it home.
In 1972, Trooper James McNeely and another Officer drowned during a rescue operation on the Kentucky River. Their boat capsized and McNeely's body was never recovered.
Just the sight of the statue is sure to hit home with those going through the new academy, who are training to protect and serve the state of Kentucky just as McNeely did.
“It just sends cold chills up your spine if you wear one of our uniforms,” said Rodney Brewer.
The new academy and statue will soon be dedicated in Frankfort.
For more on the Trooper Project, click here.
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