KSP's 'Cover the Cruiser' returns April 24

Yahoo

09-04-2025

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Kentucky State Police launched its 'Cover the Cruiser' campaign after the annual Special Olympics' Law Enforcement Torch Run was called off.
'It was one of those (things) that kind of popped up (in wondering), 'How can we give back to this organization when so many things were canceled?',' said Trooper Corey King, public affairs officer with KSP's Post 16 in Henderson. 'And this was one of those events where we're like, 'Hey, we have our cars and we have the personnel that's working 24/7 anyway ….' '
The initiative saw troopers from all 16 posts and its state headquarters in Frankfort parked at various businesses in an effort to have members of the public 'cover' police vehicles with Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics icons for a minimum $1 donation for Special Olympics Kentucky.
'... (Troopers) were able to park at an established business, and at that point there was that social distancing that people were really honoring …,' King said. '... We just popped up one of our cars at an established business — many of them were gas stations and things like that — and so many people were itching to continue to be part of the community and give back in some way.'
In its first year, the statewide program raised more than $16,000 in donations and has become a yearly tradition ever since.
'It raised quite a bit of money (the first year),' King said, 'and it's kind of been a staple for us in helping boost the Torch Run ….'
The sixth annual campaign in Owensboro, led by Post 16, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 24 at the Audubon Federal Credit Union, 1429 Breckenridge St. — marking the event's second year at the location.
According to AFCU's April edition of its newsletter, 'Audubon Angle,' guests scheduled to be on-site include Chad Benefield with WBKR, Lauren Patterson with New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, Jill Thompson with The Center — along with the organization's new mobile unit — Jennifer Higdon with kynect, Terry Niles of Sam's Club, Jon Tornatta with Healthy Spaces, Sgt. Chris Bond of the U.S. Air Force, Sfc. Nathan Foss of the U.S. Army, Mandy Masterson of BHG Realty and members of the SOKY from Owensboro-Daviess County.
Real Hacienda will also be available via its food truck for food purchases.
According to SOKY's website, 'Cover the Cruiser' raised over $67,000 in its first four years, with 2024 alone bringing in about $11,000, with all proceeds going toward SOKY's sports, health and school community building programs throughout the state.
'... This is one of those (programs) where we are strategically placed across the commonwealth, (making) it a good way to not only engage with the public who don't always get to have any interaction with troopers that are on the scene but also many of the Special Olympics' athletes who come to attend,' King said. '... They get to meet those that are here in our community, and (personally) see where (the donations) go.'
Besides supporting a good cause, King finds the event has a unique element in regards to people getting up-close and personal with a law enforcement vehicle.
'... I think this is the only time that I know of that you can actually graffiti a state trooper car,' King joked. '... We have so many young kids that come with their parents, grandparents, they come eat, they make a donation — but we get to (establish) a relationship with them.
'Getting to know the kids of our community is one of the best parts of my job,' King said, 'if not the best part of my job ….'
Donations will be accepted via cash and Venmo.
Additional 'Cover the Cruiser' events are listed online at soky.org/coverthecruiser.
If unable to attend any 'Cover the Cruiser' events, donations are also being accepted by SOKY at soky.org.