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After much planning and fanfare, the World Equestrian Games (WEG) came to a close on October 10, 2010. Our agency began planning for the sixteen day event nearly eighteen months ago with assistance provided by the Lexington-Metro Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and many others. The WEG event involved over 125 of our personnel from various assignments. By every account, the detail was a huge success.
The preparation and attention to detail for WEG was unprecedented. I received numerous positive comments from attendees, dignitaries, and royalty regarding the professionalism of our agency. With visitors from fifty-one countries attending, it truly cast the Kentucky State Police in the international spotlight. Historically speaking, it was one of the largest details that we have ever coordinated.
Amidst all of the accolades and praise, there was one particular incident that became a defining moment in my mind. A photograph taken by Tim Webb for the Courier-Journal captured a Sergeant and a Trooper lifting a Para Olympian in her wheelchair onto the awards platform after an event to receive her medal. The photograph is both touching and compelling. It truly solidifies who and what our agency is all about. It clearly represents our core mission of helping people, in good times and bad. I’m sure that the German rider shown in the photo will bask in the glow of her accomplishments for years to come. I’m equally certain that two gray uniforms displaying grace and professionalism from another part of the world will be pleasantly intertwined in those memories. If a picture really is worth a thousand words, then this photograph must be worth a million.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the WEG event a success, including those personnel who were ‘left behind’ to maintain operations and answer calls for service. I am truly proud to be part of such an incredible group of men and women that consistently deliver a high level of professionalism and customer service. Our people are what make us great!
The preparation and attention to detail for WEG was unprecedented. I received numerous positive comments from attendees, dignitaries, and royalty regarding the professionalism of our agency. With visitors from fifty-one countries attending, it truly cast the Kentucky State Police in the international spotlight. Historically speaking, it was one of the largest details that we have ever coordinated.
Amidst all of the accolades and praise, there was one particular incident that became a defining moment in my mind. A photograph taken by Tim Webb for the Courier-Journal captured a Sergeant and a Trooper lifting a Para Olympian in her wheelchair onto the awards platform after an event to receive her medal. The photograph is both touching and compelling. It truly solidifies who and what our agency is all about. It clearly represents our core mission of helping people, in good times and bad. I’m sure that the German rider shown in the photo will bask in the glow of her accomplishments for years to come. I’m equally certain that two gray uniforms displaying grace and professionalism from another part of the world will be pleasantly intertwined in those memories. If a picture really is worth a thousand words, then this photograph must be worth a million.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the WEG event a success, including those personnel who were ‘left behind’ to maintain operations and answer calls for service. I am truly proud to be part of such an incredible group of men and women that consistently deliver a high level of professionalism and customer service. Our people are what make us great!
