Joe Ponder, the father of slain Kentucky State Police Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, joined House Speaker Greg Stumbo and other state legislators at a press conference to pledge their support for increased safety measures for front-line KSP officers.
One suggestion the group backed was the use of a bullet-resistant laminate, which could be applied quickly to KSP cruisers. Stumbo said the cost-per-vehicle could be as low as $5,000, and an early estimate put the number of affected vehicles at 600.
During his remarks, Ponder said he thought this type of feature “could have made a difference” in saving his son’s life. Trooper Ponder was shot and killed Sept. 13 while chasing a suspect on I-24. His father vowed to work on behalf of any legislative proposal that would increase officer safety.
“My son is behind me all the way,” he said.
In remarks to the media, KSP Commissioner Brewer said his agency will review additional safety measures that could be implemented, which could also include changes in training or the purchase of other equipment.
State Rep. Will Coursey, who chairs the House Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, said during the press conference that his committee would review potential legislative changes in the weeks ahead and during the 2016 Regular Session, which begins in January.
From Office of Kentucky House Speaker