Russell County Deputy Sheriff Chad Fox graduated the Department of Criminal Justice today (Thursday, Feb. 19th). You will see Chad protecting and serving the citizens of Russell County as a fully trained Deputy. Sheriff Derek Polston says he's proud of all his office staff, road deputies, SROS, and CSOS. They all take pride in serving the citizens of Russell County.
30 New Law Enforcement Officers Ready To Protect Their Communities
On Thursday, February 19, 2026 Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 30 law enforcement officers from agencies across Kentucky have graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s (DOCJT) basic training academy in Richmond. These law enforcement officers now return home to serve, protect and create a safer New Kentucky Home.
“The entire commonwealth is grateful for these Kentuckians who have stepped up to bravely serve their communities,” Gov. Beshear said. “Your courage and strength are appreciated by all of us, and we thank you and your families for your sacrifices on behalf of Kentucky and your communities.”
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 566 received more than 800 hours of recruit-level instruction over 20 weeks. Major training areas included 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.
Since December 2019, the Beshear-Coleman administration has graduated 1,777 officers from the basic training academy. Today’s 30 graduating law enforcement officers will begin working with the 8,000 other officers of the commonwealth to create a commonwealth that is safer for all Kentuckians.
“I commend your dedication to the skills and knowledge gained at the Basic Training Academy and wish you success as you serve your home communities,” said DOCJT Commissioner Mike Bosse. “You now carry the responsibility to serve with honor, integrity, fairness, and transparency – embrace it, and the public will see your commitment.”
The Beshear-Coleman administration is proud to welcome the 30 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 to make each of Kentucky’s communities safer.
