A Kentucky State Police trooper with ties to the Morehead area has received national recognition for his actions during a deadly hostage situation in Rowan County earlier this year.
According to Kentucky State Police, Trooper Paul Thomas was recently awarded the 2026 TOP COPS Award by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO).
The award recognizes law enforcement officers from across the country who demonstrate exceptional courage and service in the line of duty.
Trooper Thomas was honored for his response to a January 2025 domestic violence incident in Rowan County that escalated into a hostage situation.
According to the original Kentucky State Police release issued after the incident, troopers were dispatched to a domestic violence call near Morehead on the morning of January 28, 2025. Investigators said Trooper Thomas encountered Thomas Crouch Jr. of Clearfield armed with a knife and positioned over a female victim inside the residence.
Authorities stated that Trooper Thomas fired his agency-issued weapon, striking Crouch. Crouch was transported to St. Claire Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The female victim was also injured during the incident and was treated and released from the hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team later conducted an investigation into the shooting.
The national TOP COPS Award is presented annually to officers whose actions are considered to have gone above and beyond the normal call of duty. Trooper Thomas was recognized for helping save the life of the female victim during the confrontation.
The incident drew significant attention across Eastern Kentucky at the time due to both the dangerous circumstances and the quick response by first responders.
