We are not starting out our day as normal. It is a very solemn morning for all of us here as well as across the state of Kentucky. A young State Trooper was murdered over the weekend. It has hit home here for several reason. The KSP Post is not to far from us, there are several of the officers we know that work there and it is a horrible, horrible waste of life. When an incident like this hits home, it leaves one to wonder many things. Most of all what has happened to the human race, no respect for life. We are taught life is one of the most precious gift we are given. It is to be treasured always. The world has to change, not tomorrow or the next day, but now. We have to return to return to our core beliefs, we have to stop the senseless murders, violence and all other acts that violate the sanctity of life.

As you go throughout your day, please remember this fine trooper and the family he leaves behind in your prayers.

 

In Memory Of

Joseph Cameron Ponder
Kentucky State Trooper

Trooper Ponder had been out of the academy for nine months. According to KSP Trooper Jay Thomas, “Ponder was new and he was eager. He absolutely loved his job.” Before coming to the State Police, Ponder was a navy diver and was honored with several awards including: Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon and Expert Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.

He was discharged from the Navy in July 2013.

In January 2015, Ponder graduated from the KSP Training Academy. After graduation, he was stationed at Post 1 in Mayfield, Ky. He was assigned to the Trigg County area. He was always willing to help those who needed, kind and most of all eager to serve the people of this Commonwealth. Unfortunately, he life and career was tragically cut short Sunday night, September 13th.

According to Kentucky State Police, the incident started Sunday evening around 10:20 p.m. when Trooper Ponder stopped a car on I-24 near mile marker 58.

 

After making contact with the driver, the car sped off.

 

As Trooper Ponder gave chase, the vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him causing his police cruiser to hit the back of the suspect’s vehicle.

 

The suspect then fired several shots back at the cruiser, hitting the hood of the car, windshield, and Trooper Ponder.

 

Trooper Ponder was taken to Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton where he died of his injuries.

 

Trooper Ponder was a native of Rineyville, Kentucky and graduated from KSP training academy in January 2015.

 

He was stationed to Post 1, Mayfield and assigned to Trigg County
Trooper Ponder was 31 years old and leaves behind a mother, step-father, fiancee, a sister, two brothers, grandmother, a niece, a host of family & friends and a state that deeply mourns his death.

 

May the Goddess Bless Officer Ponder,

May he find peace at last.