On March 11, events unfolded near I-24 just outside of Cadiz that will stay with some for a lifetime.
Three of those individuals were honored in a private, family-and-friends-only ceremony Monday night in the Trigg County Judicial Center — when Sheriff Aaron Acree presented himself with the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Medal of Honor, Deputy Sergeant Zach White with the same, and Deputy CJ Ahart with his Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor.
Each played a role in the apprehension — and eventual neutralizing — of 21-year-old Florissant, Missouri, resident Jermaine Jackson Jr., who led Kentucky State Police, and many others, on a chase-and-pursuit exceeding 100 mph before a crashing halt off of Exit 65 led to a footrace and an exchange of gunfire through a crop field.
Due to KSP’s continued investigation, Acree said he couldn’t share the full details of the day’s timeline. However, the circumstances involved White being wounded three times before Ahart was able intercept and to get him back into his own patrol car and off to Trigg County Hospital for treatment.
Acree then returned fire — and, eventually, the killing blow.
Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, White was overcome with emotion, and said he has been humbled by the state nod.
Ahart, meanwhile, called White “his best friend.”
Acree noted that it took several organizations locally and regionally to cover shifts in Trigg County, as Ahart healed and the early stages of KSP’s investigation took hold.
Deputy Kenny Vincent was also presented his “Occupant Protection Enforcement” Award, given by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety for dedication to enforcing the Commonwealth’s seatbelt laws.
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries offered his nod to the four’s efforts.
Acree, Vincent, White and Ahart were initially recognized during last Thursday’s Annual Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Conference in Bowling Green.
Full audio of Acree’s presentation can be found here:
