Lexington has a new police chief. He's Mark Barnard, a 28 year veteran of the city's Division of Police.
Mayor Jim Gray made the official announcement Monday morning.
Mark Barnard worked his way up to assistant chief by serving in various assignments. Mayor Gray says Barnard is a determined problem solver who has a strong background in community oriented policing. "This is a job that requires a command presence, but also the ability to build relationships," said Gray. "His number one focus will be making Lexington safer for all citizens by addressing problems before they become problems."
Barnard says he is humbled and honored to be selected to lead the police agency. He says he doesn't envision making significant changes.
Barnard says he began his time as all officers do, working third shift overnight. He says officers make family sacrifices as a part of their responsibilities. "When I was in homicide I left for a long time on the Resendez case," said Barnard. "I left from Memorial Day to Labor Day and my father passed away so, we sacrifice a lot and it's emotional because I know how much they want to serve this community."
Lexington Fraternal Order of Police President Jason Rothermund served on the search committee. Rothermund says the Lexington's Division of Police doesn't face the same criticism found in some other U.S. cities. "I think right now you're not seeing a lot of those issues in Lexington because we are very proactive in terms of getting our message out to the community," said Rothermund. "Working with community leaders, telling them what we are about." "And I think that's probably the most important role that a chief has here in this city is continuing to get the message out that we're willing to work with the community," Rothermund added.
Barnard was chosen from four applicants. He takes over for Ronnie Bastin who is moving into the public safety commissioner's post. Barnard will officially begin his new job as police chief on January 12th.
