ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Kentucky State Police Program celebrates a milestone 60th anniversary.

Despite tough economic times and ever changing technology, the program has come a long way. Troopers from Ashland's Post 14 recently gathered to celebrate the anniversary. They said they feel a continual sense of pride helping people in need.

Despite computers that have made troopers' jobs largely paperless and allow for quicker response times, there are fewer actual offices. Post 14 covers a large geographic area in eastern Kentucky -- Boyd, Lawrence, Greenup and Carter counties.

"We'll always respond to calls, even if only two are on staff," said KSP Trooper Elliott Gollihue. "We never jeopardize our service to respond to calls. Citizens are our priority."

Fellow KSP Trooper Brad Simmons said he enjoys helping people, especially kids.

Training for a KSP trooper consists of a 23-week program, which includes more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study. It is one of the most thorough and intense law enforcement training programs in the country.