Chris Carter Honored with Memorial sign
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
A memorial sign was placed north of Louisa on US 23 Friday afternoon, Aug. 1, for former Kentucky State Trooper Christopher Carter.
Senator Phillip Wheeler who played a major role in getting the memorial sign said that one of the great honors that were given to them as members of the general assembly was the ability to designate a road or bridge in memory of someone who served our country, served our state, or served our communities.
“Each year, a road-naming bill is sent through both the House and the Senate calling for the erection of signage in these folks’ honor,” said Sen. Wheeler. “Trooper Chris Carter was an easy call. A 19-year veteran of the KSP, Sergeant Carter embodied the best of law enforcement. He completed a sociology degree at Morehead State University before attending the Kentucky State Police Academy. Based upon the comments that you saw after his passing, it was obvious that he cared not only about protecting the citizens of Lawrence County, but how he could make it better by helping others. So, when the road naming bill came around, Trooper Carter was at the top of the list of individuals that myself and Representative Scott Sharp wanted to honor. Now future generations of Lawrence Countians will be able to see visible markers dedicated to his service and be encouraged to investigate his story.”
Sgt. Carter’s wife Brittney added a tribute to her late husband by writing the following:
Sergeant Christopher Thomas Carter was born on Sept. 3, 1982, in Ashland, to Arnold and Ruby Carter.
Raised in Lawrence County. Chris graduated from Lawrence County High School in 2000 and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Morehead State University in 2004.
From a young age, Chris had a calling. He often said, “I’m going to be a Kentucky State Trooper”- and he made that dream a reality in 2005 when he joined the Kentucky State Police Academy.
After graduating, he was assigned to Post 14 in Ashland, where he began what would become a distinguished and impactful career in public service. Chris faithfully served the communities of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence Counties as a road Trooper until 2010, when he became a Detective.
In 2015, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Post 6 in Dry Ridge. He later transferred to Post 8 in Morehead, before ultimately returning to Post 14 in Ashland. Throughout his career, Chris served with distinction, compassion, and integrity. He had planned to retire in August 2025.
In 2008, during his early assignment, Chris met the love of his life, Brittney McMaine. They married in 2012 and built a life full of love, laughter, and deep faith. Chris had a beautiful smile and a laugh that was truly contagious.
He had a servant’s heart and lived by it daily. His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” He often said it was this verse that carried him through the ups and downs of his life and career.
Chris passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 10, 2024, following a brief illness. He lived a blessed life and left a legacy of honor, humility, and unwavering faith. Those who knew him remember not just a Trooper, but a kind soul, a devoted husband, a wonderful son, and a loyal friend.
He was a man of principle who led by example and inspired others through his steady strength and compassion. Chris often reminded others that in the end, life goes swiftly and what matters most is where you stand with God. “It’s up to us where we’ll spend eternity,” he once said. His words and example remain with all who knew and loved him.
Sergeant Chris Carter’s impact will be felt for generations to come, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of those he touched.