FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear recognized nearly 170 state and local law enforcement officers for their outstanding efforts to keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. This honor highlights their dedication and Team Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to saving lives and keeping our roads safe.

“Too many lives have been lost or changed forever by those who have made the unlawful and irresponsible decision to drive while impaired,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re so grateful to our law enforcement officers whose life-saving work makes Kentucky roads safer for everyone.”

The Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards, held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington and hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, included awards to individuals representing more than 150 law enforcement agencies.

“When an officer stops an impaired driver on Kentucky’s roadways, they are potentially saving lives,” said Kentucky Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Jenny True-Reed. “Their work is essential, and today we have the privilege of honoring their exceptional service to the citizens of the commonwealth.”

Awards were presented to those with the most impaired driving arrests in each agency and in each division from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Award recipients received a plaque, while the top division winner was presented with the Highway Safety All-Star Award – a commemorative baseball bat from Louisville Slugger. There are six divisions, broken down by number of officers within the agency, and a division for Kentucky State Police:

  • Division I          1-10 officers
  • Division II        11-25 officers
  • Division III       26-50 officers
  • Division IV       51-100 officers
  • Division V        100+ officers
  • Division VI      Kentucky State Police

According to the KOHS, last year in Kentucky there were 4,263 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,068 injuries and 185 deaths.

“Too many families have felt the heartbreak caused by impaired driving,” said KOHS Executive Director Ryan Fisher. “This holiday season, we’re working alongside law enforcement to prevent these tragedies and give every Kentuckian the chance to celebrate safely with their loved ones.”

The KOHS, Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign. Officers will be out Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, watching for any moving hazardous violation, with an emphasis on impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds the campaign and reports high-visibility enforcement reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20%.

A list of recipients for the 2025 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards and photos can be found here.