James E. “Ted” Bassett, III (right), trustee emeritus of the Keeneland Association and former Kentucky State Police Director from 1963 to 1967, spoke to cadets at the KSP Training Academy on Aug. 5, 2015. “You know who you are now. Most important, when you graduate, is knowing who you will become, ready to step up and make a difference. Remember, some things will never change: honor, service, integrity, courage and commitment,” he said.
During his tenure with the state police, Bassett once stated, “The only thing in Kentucky that separates law from lawlessness is The Thin Gray Line.” The term has been used to describe the agency ever since.
In 1965, Bassett spearheaded the creation of Trooper Island, a free summer camp for underprivileged children operated by KSP on Dale Hollow Lake. The camp is supported by donations from businesses, charitable organizations, churches and private citizens throughout the state.
For more information about Trooper Island, visit http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/2015/tr_isl_50th.html
