A Kentucky State Police trooper has been nationally recognized for his courage and decisive actions that saved a woman’s life during a domestic violence situation in eastern Kentucky.
KSP Post 8 Trooper Paul Thomas has been named a regional finalist for the 2025 IACP/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year Award. The honor, presented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in partnership with Motorola Solutions, recognizes troopers and provincial police officers who demonstrate exceptional bravery, leadership and service, according to Kentucky State Police.
“Trooper Thomas demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism in an incredibly dangerous situation,” KSP Post Commander Bobby King said. “His quick actions and willingness to put himself in harm’s way saved a life. We are proud to see him recognized on a national level, and this honor reflects the dedication and bravery our troopers show every day.”
State police said that on January 28, 2025, Rowan County dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a woman had been stabbed and was being held at knifepoint by a suspect in Morehead. Callers reported the suspect threatened to kill the victim and any responding officers.
Thomas responded alongside officers from the Morehead Police Department. They went to the front door, announced themselves, and heard the victim pleading for help, state police said. When the suspect refused commands and the threat became imminent, officers forced entry through a barricaded door on an ice‑covered porch.
Inside, officers found the victim trapped in an overturned recliner, as the suspect was knelt behind her with a knife. Ignoring repeated commands, according to state police, he continued to restrain her. Thomas moved to pull the suspect off the victim and saw the knife positioned at the victim’s neck.
Recognizing the immediate threat to the victim’s life, Thomas fired two rounds, striking the suspect and ending the attack.
Officers pulled the victim to safety while Thomas rendered aid to the suspect. EMS transported both individuals to a hospital. The suspect later died, the victim was treated and released.
Thomas is one of four regional finalists from across the U.S. selected for the 2025 award.
This year’s finalists represent agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Virginia State Police. All four finalists were honored during the IACP State and Provincial Police Division Midyear Meeting on March 12, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. Virginia State Police Trooper John Winebrenner was announced as the 2025 Trooper of the Year during the meeting.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Motorola Solutions as one of four finalists for the Trooper of the Year Award and to have had the opportunity to attend the Midyear Ceremony,” Thomas said. “It was truly a privilege to stand on stage alongside the other outstanding finalists who represent the very best of law enforcement. I am grateful for the recognition and proud to represent the Kentucky State Police.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
