Lexington Mayor Jim Gray swore in the city’s newest Police Chief this morning.
After taking the oath, Chief Mark Barnard told reporters he’s already hit the ground running. “We will be filling an assistant chief position, three commanders, five lieutenants and seven sergeants and we are interviewing every one of those candidates. We want to get them in place. Our calendar is full this year, looking at it what’s ahead is the Boys Sweet 16, The NCAA’s, Keeneland Spring Meet, 4th of July, Breeders Cup and the Alltech Horse Show. All those events are coming up. We’re already looking at one year in advance so we’re trying to play catch-up right now but we have a good team in place.”
Barnard credited the Mayor for “keeping public safety a top priority.” He said Lexington Police continue to keep citizens safe, but the public doesn’t always hear the great things officers do day in and day out. Barnard has been with the LPD for 28 years, he takes over for former Chief Ronnie Bastin who has been promoted to Public Safety Commissioner.