NEWS RELEASE
Hickory, KY (June 6, 2016) – In commemoration of the life and sacrifice of Trooper Eric Keith Chrisman and Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, the Kentucky State Police Post 1 Mayfield, held a dedication ceremony on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. CST at Kentucky State Police Post 1 located in Hickory, KY.
A monument honoring these two fallen heroes was unveiled at this ceremony. This monument was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Back the Badge organization and donated to the Kentucky State Police Post 1 as a way to memorialize the ultimate sacrifice made by Tpr. Chrisman and Tpr. Ponder. The fire pit was created and donated to KSP Post 1 by Tony West of Springfield, Missouri.
“We will never forget the sacrifice made by these two amazing individuals. Both exemplified the core value of service above self. The impact that they have had on our lives started before their passing and will continue to inspire us as we continue the mission of the Kentucky State Police.” remarked KSP Post 1 Captain Janet Barnett.
Trooper Eric K. Chrisman, age 23, was fatally injured on June 23, 2015 in a vehicle collision while en route to a reckless driving complaint on US 62 in Livingston County. Upon receiving his commission as a Trooper, he was assigned to Post 1, Mayfield, where his death came only six months into his career.
Trooper Joseph ‘Cameron’ Ponder, age 31, was fatally shot on September 13, 2015 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 24 in Lyon County. Upon receiving his commission as a Trooper, he was assigned to Post 1, Mayfield, where his death came only nine months into his career.
Families Caption: Left to Right – Brenda Tiffany (Ponder’s Mother), Kelly Ponder(Ponder’s Sister), Mahlea Starks (Ponder’s Niece), Chrystal Coleman (Ponder’s Fiancé), Dawn Chrisman (Chrisman’s Mother), Randy Chrisman (Chrisman’s Father), Joe Ponder (Ponder’s Father).
