KSP retirees gather in Knott

Carrie Community Center welcomed a group of retired Kentucky State Police officers for a special lunch on Wednesday, May 13.

The meal was punctuated by laughing and good-natured teasing among the former officers. Some family members also attended.

For the past couple of years, the retirees try to get together somewhere once a month.

“I’m not sure who started this, but I think it was some of the office staff, and they often come, too,” Oliver Combs told the Times. They enjoy catching up on each other’s lives, sharing memories and sometimes swapping stories.

Lt. Ray Britton drove all the way from Somerset for the lunch and to visit with friends. Britton served at the Hazard KSP post from 1977 to 1981.

Eleven retired officers were joined Wednesday by Post Commander Capt. Blake Slone from Post 13 in Hazard. Slone has led that post for almost four years.

“They called and asked if we could have the dinner here this month; they’ve been here before and really liked it,” explained Sylvia Ison Combs, Director of the Community Center. She and volunteers worked hard to put together a buffet lunch with ham, chicken and dumplings and a dozen sides, plus a dessert table.

“We’re honored to get to do this,” Sylvia noted. “It gives us a chance to recognize these officers for their service, and show them our appreciation. We had several members of our community who came also. We told the officers, ‘You put your lives on the line for us — so you need to be first in line here.’”

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