Five new Kentucky State Police troopers who graduated from a 22-week KSP Academy in October have been assigned to Post 10 in Harlan.

KSP public affairs officer Walt Meachum said the troopers are currently assigned to a field training officer.

"The new troopers will be riding with an field training officer who currently works in our Post 10 district for eight weeks before they are released on their own," Meachum said.

"They should be patrolling on their own by the first of the year."

Three of the troopers will be assigned to the Harlan County area and the other two will be working in Knox County. Meachum provided information about the new troopers.

n James Earl Hensley, 23, of Harlan, Unit 669, is the son of James and Bonita Hensley. He was born in Pineville and grew up in Pathfork. He is a 1999 graduate of James A. Cawood High School and attended Cumberland College and Eastern Kentucky University. He is single and a former employee of R&B Coal Company and the Kentucky Appraisal Team.

He said he joined the state police because he wanted a challenge.

"I was told by several people that I couldn't be a state trooper because of where I was from, and I proved them wrong," Hensley said.

One of his goals is reducing the drug problem in Harlan County.

n Christopher P. Frazier, 26, of Hazard, Unit 514, is the son of Charles and Francis Frazier. He was born in Beckley, W.Va.

He is a graduate of Dilce Combs High School in Perry County and Hazard Community College. He has worked at FMC Medical Center, The Hudson Tire Company and American General Finance. He is married to the former Christy Dunigan and has two children.

"One of my goals is to make the public feel they have a safe place to live in," Frazier said.

n Brian Green, 26, of Middlesboro, Unit 629 is the son of Wayne and Rudelle Green. He is a 1996 graduate of Bell County High School. He attended Eastern Kentucky University. He has also worked T&T Fuels Coal Company and restaurants while attending college.

"I would like to improve the drug problem," Green said. "It's real bad."

n Dallas Eubanks, 41, of Corbin, unit 462, is married and has four children. He is a graduate of Corbin High School and attended various colleges. His former occupations include being a U.S. Marine, a Kentucky National Guardsman, working at Eubanks Electrical Supply and working 12 years with the Knox County Sheriff's Department. He is a certified scuba diver and K-9 Handler.

He joined the state police because he wanted to give back to the community that he was raised in and to be part of the best.

"The state police is the best in the police agency and they have the same values as the marines, honor, courage and commitment," Eubanks said.

n Alfred Jason Bunch, 26, of Williamsburg, unit 333, is married and has three children. He is the son of Alfred and Cathy Bunch and graduated from Williamsburg High School. He attended various colleges. His work history includes: The U.S. Army, Kentucky National Guard, Renfro Supply Company and in a sawmill.

"I can't remember not wanting to be a trooper," Bunch said. "Troopers used to come in my grandma's store to get a sandwich when I was little. They would talk to me and I knew that's what I wanted to be. My goal is to help somebody everyday."