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Local Church Holds Salute to Local Law Enforcement

Chase Cavanaugh

Lexington’s Centenary Methodist Church played host to a law enforcement appreciation night Thursday. 

The event was designed as a salute to local law enforcement, taking into account the increased scrutiny of police nationwide regarding the use of force.  Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard touched upon these issues in his remarks, but also highlighted the important role that many officers play.  

“I think our profession, like any profession, needs adjusting, needs changing, there’s no doubt about it.  But in the overall scope of a profession, please don’t’ take for granted the safety that you have everyday and who’s responsible for that.  That’s not me, but that’s the line officer on the street that’s working at night, that’s watching your homes while you’re sleeping, that’s making sure our children get to school safely, that’s there every day.  When you pick up the phone and call, they arrive,” he said.

Other notable speakers included Mayor Jim Gray, local Fraternal Order of Police President Jason Rothermund, and Citizens Police Academy President Bob Schmidt.  They acknowledged the service of those not only in the Lexington Police Department, but also other agencies such as the county sheriff, university police, and Department of Corrections.  In total, over 120 Lexington citizens came out to show their support.

Chase Cavanaugh first got on the air as a volunteer reader for Central Kentucky Radio Eye, a local news service for the visually impaired. He began reporting for WUKY in February 2012, after receiving his Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.