Sean McKinney named police chief for Henderson, Kentucky
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HENDERSON, Ky. — Henderson’s Board of Commissioners named Sean McKinney the new chief for the Henderson Police Department on Tuesday.
McKinney was named acting chief March 1, taking over from Heath Cox, who retired. McKinney had been deputy chief since July 2019. On Tuesday, the board held an executive session directly following its regular meeting and opted to remove McKinney’s interim tag.
“I think he is the perfect hire for police chief and I’m happy we are moving forward with this resolution,” Commissioner Brad Staton said.
The board’s vote was unanimous among the board members, minus Robert Pruitt, who was absent.
McKinney started his career with the department in 1997, after graduating from Murray State with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 2001, he joined the Kentucky State Police, where he served for more than 17 years and was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served as commander of the Drug Enforcement Special Investigations unit, overseeing operations and criminal cases in 63 counties in Western Kentucky.
More:Henderson, Kentucky Police Department names longtime lawman as interim chief
In other news, the commissioners voted to help fund a feasibility study on a new aquatic center in its regular meeting Tuesday.
A local group represented by Meredith Schmitt requested the city contribute $15,000 to the study, which will cost a total of $30,000. The study is needed, Schmitt said, to determine if an aquatic center can be self-sustaining rather than a “money pit” that the city would have to maintain and staff. The Henderson Tourist Commission is in charge of carrying out the study and Schmitt’s group is seeking nonprofit status.
The board voted to pass the measure, with the one holdout being Mayor Steve Austin. Austin said he had reservations about the piece of land the group had identified as a possible home to a center, and also preferred that a new center be integrated with existing assets such as the YMCA pool facilities.
More:For first time in 26 years, the Henderson YMCA will be looking for a new leader
The board also approved funding for improvements at the former Municipal Golf Course, which is used by Henderson County Schools cross-country teams and the Audubon Flyers disc golf team. Funding was also given for improvements at Park Field, which is home to the Henderson Flash summer league collegiate baseball team.
The board also passed a resolution to officially oppose House Bill 214. The proposed bill which passed through the state House of Representatives last week, would eliminate a judgeship in District 51 in Henderson County.
Austin pointed to a backlog of cases in district court and said eliminating the position would create difficulty for citizens having their cases heard and getting resolutions in a timely manner. Last week, the Henderson County Bar Association held an emergency meeting regarding the same bill and also voted on a resolution to oppose it.
In other business, the commission:
- Accepted a $1.5 million grant from the Delta Regional Authority that will fund upgrades to natural gas infrastructure. The project is needed to service the upcoming Pratt Industries complex.
- Passed a first reading on an ordinance for a public way improvement of the sewer system at Pebble Creek.
- Accepted a proposal for consulting to study the possible establishment of a Development Area Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) in the U.S. 60 corridor near the I-69 expansion.
The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for March 22.
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