Richmond, Ky. (March 2, 2023) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 27 law enforcement officers from agencies across the state have graduated the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s (DOCJT) basic training academy. These law enforcement officers will now serve and protect the commonwealth to create safer communities.
“We look forward to the good work you will do once you return to your communities,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you for your commitment to keeping the commonwealth safe.”
DOCJT is committed to providing officers with best practices, the latest technology training and legal information to protect the diverse communities they serve. The graduates of Class 535 received more than 800 hours of recruit-level instruction over 20 weeks. Major training areas include patrol procedures, physical training, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, criminal law, traffic and DUI, firearms, criminal investigations, cultural awareness, bias related crimes and tactical responses to crisis situations.
The everchanging nature of public safety and protection requires DOCJT to remain on the cutting edge of law enforcement training practices. This includes providing officers and recruits with latest technology training and legal information available to protect the diverse communities they serve. Advancements in training, facilities and instruction are made often, allowing DOCJT trainers and trainees to have the most possible resources at their disposal.
Today’s 27 graduating law enforcement officers are now ready to wear the badge of honor along with the other 1,084 Kentuckians who have completed their basic training since December 2019. They will work together to create a commonwealth that is safer for all Kentuckians now and into the future.
“Completion of basic training is just the beginning of a rewarding journey,” DOCJT Commissioner Nicolai Jilek said. “Each day that you put on that uniform, know there is a community who feels safer and more secure because of your commitment to integrity and professionalism.”
The Beshear-Coleman Administration is proud to welcome the 27 new law enforcement officers into the partnership of public safety. Along with all those currently serving in law enforcement, graduates will play key roles in the ongoing effort of making each of Kentucky’s communities safer.
Class 535 graduates and their agencies are:
Robert B. Adamson, Russell Springs Police Department
Christopher D. Allen, Prestonsburg Police Department
Zachary T. Bryant, Frankfort Police Department
Michael A. Cast, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office
Caleb B. Cope, Murray Police Department
William M. DeAtley, Northern Kentucky University Police Department
Daniel R. Drury, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
Ethan M. Ellis, Campbellsville Police Department
Kaden G. Gervacio, Danville Police Department
Jarrett A. Graber, Glasgow Police Department
Kenneth D. Helton, Harlan Police Department
Jacob C. Highbaugh, Munfordville Police Department
Timothy A. Hively Jr., Bellefonte Police Department
Andrew L. Jefferson, Maysville Police Department
Kelci N. Keen, Franklin Police Department
Justin T. Luttrell, Casey County Sheriff’s Office
Alexander R. Mutter, Metcalfe County Sheriff’s Office
John T. Myles II, Lawrenceburg Police Department
Cole R. O’Brien, Independence Police Department
Christopher H. Pacheco, Hopkinsville Police Department
Adam L. Payne, University of Louisville Police Department
Tyler M. Pigman, Hazard Police Department
Jacob L. Rickard, Owensboro Police Department
Jacob E. Sexton, Hart County Sheriff’s Office
Joseph Seth Taylor, Hardinsburg Police Department
Brandon W. Thompson, Scottsville Police Department
Mathew K. Warfield, University of Louisville Police Department
DOCJT provides basic training for city and county police officers, sheriffs’ deputies, university police, airport police throughout the state, only excluding Louisville Metro Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Bowling Green Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, which each have independent academies.
Beshear-Coleman Administration Commitment to Making Kentucky a National Leader in Public Safety
The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor's public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky now and into the future.
The recently enacted bipartisan state budget signed by Gov. Beshear allows the commonwealth to take additional steps to make Kentucky a leader in public safety by enhancing law enforcement training, creating safer communities and improving the safety of both law enforcement officers and Kentuckians. In July 2022, the Governor announced additional steps to enhance public and officer safety, including funding for a new firearms training facility, a Western Kentucky training site feasibility study and an increased training stipend for law enforcement officers.
In October 2022, the administration took another step forward in creating safer communities by awarding more than $350,000 in grant funding to prevent youth crime across the commonwealth.
In June 2022, Gov. Beshear announced the Military to Law Enforcement Program (M-2-LE). M-2-LE allows local law enforcement agencies in Kentucky to hire active service members within all U.S. military branches during their last 180 days of service. Upon being contracted by a law enforcement agency, the military member will continue to receive their pay and benefits from the U.S. Military while they undergo law enforcement training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded almost $8 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day. Recently, the administration announced nearly $2 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.
Gov. Beshear has championed legislative action like Senate Bill 64 and House Bill 254, making it easier for law enforcement to conduct undercover stings and increase the chances of stopping a horrific crime against a child from being facilitated through the internet. These actions will also provide law enforcement officers with the authority to charge offenders with harsher crimes to keep them away from the public, preventing further interactions with Kentucky’s most vulnerable population.
