Capt. James C. O’Bannon is the new commander at KSP Post 9, in Pikeville.

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PIKEVILLE — Kentucky State Police Post 9 will see several new faces, as well new ranks, after 56 officers across the state received promotions.

Most notable among the promotions is Capt. James C. O’Bannon, who joins the post as its new commander.

O’Bannon comes to Post 9 from Post 11, in London, where he was born. He has been with KSP since 1996.

Prestonsburg native Christopher Hicks was promoted to sergeant. He will remain with Post 9.

Two Jackson natives will be transferring to Post 9 from Post 13, in Hazard. James Gross and John Hollon were both promoted to sergeant, prior to their transfers.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Lt. Darrin Patterson will remain at Region 6, in Pikeville, after being promoted to captain. A 22-year CVE veteran, Patterson is a resident of Bowling Green and a native of Granite City, Ill.

CVE Officer Kenny Johnson was promoted to sergeant and will be leaving Region 6. A seven-year veteran of CVE, he is being transferred to Region 3, in Georgetown.

KSP announced the changes as part of 56 promotions and transfers statewide, during a special ceremony, Friday, at the Capital Plaza Hotel, in Frankfort. Two KSP majors, 10 captains, 11 lieutenants and 23 sergeants were commissioned, along with three CVE captains, three lieutenants, and four sergeants.