Kenton County Sheriff’s Office

05/26/2026

🚧 UPDATE to the UPDATE… to the UPDATE 🚧
Friendly heads-up, Northern Kentucky friends! As of May 26, KYTC officials have now delayed the planned ramp closure until Monday, June 8.

So yes… despite all the warnings, reminders, calendar alerts, and mental preparation… The ramps are still OPEN for now. 👀 At this point, the orange barrels are just keeping us emotionally invested.

Starting Monday, June 08th, both the northbound and southbound 12th Street exit ramps will officially close as part of the massive Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project construction.
And that’s not all:
🔴 Bullock Avenue will also be closed through October 2026
🔵 Simon Kenton Way will switch to two-way traffic to help keep everyone moving
Translation: your “quick shortcut” may no longer be so quick 😅
Give yourself a few extra minutes, plan alternate routes ahead of time, and maybe keep the coffee topped off during the morning commute ☕🚗
Safe travels, everyone!

Original Post:
Reminder, we're just weeks away from major changes to how you can access the Kenton County Government Center in Covington‼️
Our partners at KYTC District 6 are closing both the northbound and southbound 12th Street exit ramps (shown in red) to I-71 beginning Monday, June 08th, to accommodate extensive
infrastructure work related to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. Concurrently, Bullock Avenue, which flanks the interstate, will be closed until October 2026, with Simon Kenton Way (in dark blue) set to accommodate two-way traffic.

And while exit ramps might be closing, our offices are not. You can still access all agencies within the Government Center during regular business hours. You can access the Government Center via Dixie Hwy and MLK Jr. Blvd., or use the state's recommended detour: exit onto 5th Street and take Main Street to Pike Street. We have vehicular entrances on both Simon Kenton Way and Pike Street for residents.

Not interested in navigating the traffic? That's OK too. Most residential services available at the Government Center are also available at the Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence. The Kenton County Clerk's Office, Kenton County PVA, and Kenton County Sheriff's Office all have team members on-site during regular business hours to assist residents.
For more information on the closures, visit KentonCounty.org and click on our "Traffic Alert" at the top of our homepage.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

Their courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember the heroes who gave everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day.

The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest gratitude to all fallen service members and their families.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

05/23/2026

The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to hear of the passing of former Kenton County Sheriff Gary Lay. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Sheriff Lay’s dedicated service to the citizens of Kenton County and the law enforcement profession will not be forgotten. From our family to yours, please know you are in our hearts and prayers during this time of loss.

https://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/obituaries/13211/gary-lay?sfnsn=mo

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

🚧 Friendly heads-up, Northern Kentucky friends! 🚧

UPDATE as of May 14: KYTC officials have delayed the planned closure until Tuesday, May 26.

So yes… the ramps are still OPEN for now 👀

Starting Tuesday, May 26, both the northbound and southbound 12th Street exit ramps will officially close as part of the massive Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project construction.

And that’s not all:
🔴 Bullock Avenue will also be closed through October 2026
🔵 Simon Kenton Way will switch to two-way traffic to help keep everyone moving

Translation: your “quick shortcut” may no longer be so quick 😅

Give yourself a few extra minutes, plan alternate routes ahead of time, and maybe keep the coffee topped off during the morning commute ☕🚗

Safe travels, everyone!

Original Post:
Reminder, we're just weeks away from major changes to how you can access the Kenton County Government Center in Covington‼️
Our partners at KYTC District 6 are closing both the northbound and southbound 12th Street exit ramps (shown in red) to I-71 beginning Tuesday, May 26, to accommodate extensive
infrastructure work related to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. Concurrently, Bullock Avenue flanking the interstate will be closed until October 2026, with Simon Kenton Way (in dark blue) set to accommodate two-way traffic.

And while exit ramps might be closing, our offices are not. You can still access all agencies within the Government Center during regular business hours. You can access the Government Center via Dixie Hwy and MLK Jr. Blvd., or use the state's recommended detour: exit onto 5th Street and take Main Street to Pike Street. We have vehicular entrances on both Simon Kenton Way and Pike Street for residents.

Not interested in navigating the traffic? That's OK too. Most residential services available at the Government Center are also available at the Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence. The Kenton County Clerk's Office, Kenton County PVA, and Kenton County Sheriff's Office all have team members on-site during regular business hours to assist residents.

For more information on the closures, visit KentonCounty.org and click on our "Traffic Alert" at the top of our homepage.

05/18/2026

Sheriff Jude S. Hehman is proud to continue the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office Employee Spotlight Program by recognizing Captain Charles “Bucky” Gurren for his remarkable 47 years of dedicated law enforcement service to the citizens of Northern Kentucky.

Captain Gurren currently serves as Commander of the Court Security Division for the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office, a position he has held since 2013. Since joining the Sheriff’s Office in 2007, he has played a critical leadership role in ensuring the safety and security of Kenton County’s court facilities, staff, inmates, and the public.

As Captain of Court Security, Captain Gurren is responsible for scheduling and assigning personnel for daily courtroom operations, courthouse security posts, prisoner transportation, and division training. His professionalism, leadership, and decades of experience continue to make him an invaluable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and the Kenton County court system.

Prior to joining KCSO, Captain Gurren proudly served 27½ years with the Covington Police Department from 1980 to 2007. During his distinguished career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Shift Lieutenant, Captain of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Captain of the Patrol Bureau, and Captain of Community Relations.

In March 1996, Captain Gurren graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, further demonstrating his commitment to professional development and law enforcement excellence.

Captain Gurren’s decades of leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community reflect the highest traditions of law enforcement. The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office proudly thanks Captain Charles “Bucky” Gurren for his continued service and leadership.

05/15/2026

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Dallas R. Damron, who graduated earlier today from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Academy of Police Supervision, Class 106.

Newly promoted sergeants from agencies across the Commonwealth attend this intensive three-week program, where they are immersed in leadership development, supervisory theory, and proven best practices in the first-line supervision of law enforcement officers.

Training opportunities such as this demonstrate our agency’s commitment to investing in the future of our personnel, strengthening leadership within our ranks, and enhancing the service we provide to our community every day.

Well done, Sergeant Damron, and congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!

05/14/2026

Sheriff Jude S. Hehman is proud to continue the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office Employee Spotlight Program by recognizing Captain Eric T. Nelson.

Captain Nelson is a distinguished law enforcement leader with more than 32 years of service in the criminal justice profession. He currently serves as Commander of the Operations Division, a position he assumed in January 2026. Captain Nelson was recently selected to serve as Treasurer of the Kenton County Police Chiefs’ Association.

Captain Nelson began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Crescent Springs Police Department, where he served as a senior traffic collision investigator. In 2002, he joined the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016. As a Lieutenant, he supervised deputies assigned to specialized units, including the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.

Since 2008, Captain Nelson has served on the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for the Eastern District of Kentucky, contributing to the apprehension of more than 1,000 fugitives wanted for violent offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, and aggravated assault.

From April 2011 to July 2024, Captain Nelson served as Commander of Northern Kentucky SWAT, leading more than 150 high-risk tactical operations that resulted in safe, successful resolutions. He also played a key role in consolidating multiple regional tactical teams into one unified Northern Kentucky SWAT unit, strengthening interagency cooperation and operational effectiveness. In January 2025, he assumed the role of Deputy Director of Northern Kentucky SWAT, where he continues to support tactical operations, training, and organizational development.

As Operations Commander, Captain Nelson oversees daily law enforcement operations, strategic planning, and critical incident response for the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office. He remains committed to deputy development, operational excellence, crime-prevention initiatives, active-threat preparedness, and community safety.

Captain Nelson is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University, where he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Law Enforcement. He completed Basic Law Enforcement Training, Class #233, in 1994, and the Academy of Police Supervision, Class LXI, through the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Criminal Justice Training in 2015. He has also completed extensive advanced training in tactical command, incident management, and leadership development through the National Tactical Officers Association.

Throughout his career, Captain Nelson has exemplified integrity, professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to public service and the protection of his community.

Please join us in thanking Captain Eric T. Nelson for his decades of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Northern Kentucky.

05/13/2026

Today, members of the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office were honored to attend the 2026 Northern Kentucky Police Memorial Service held in Covington, Kentucky, as we joined fellow law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and citizens in remembering and honoring those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

A special moment during today’s ceremony was the playing of Taps by retired Kenton County Sheriff Charles L. Korzenborn, whose moving tribute served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, courage, and dedication of our fallen heroes.

The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to honoring the memory and legacy of those who gave their lives in service to others. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/12/2026

The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) in enhancing roadway safety efforts throughout Kenton County.

Through this partnership, KCSO has received a new Stalker Dual Antenna RADAR unit, which has been issued to Deputy Jacob Brown to assist with traffic speed enforcement and roadway safety initiatives across Kenton County.

Speeding complaints remain among the most common concerns reported by citizens regarding traffic safety. This advanced RADAR technology provides deputies with a highly accurate and efficient tool to identify speeding violations and improve overall roadway safety for motorists, pedestrians, and our communities.

The Stalker Dual Antenna RADAR system allows deputies to monitor vehicle speeds with precision while operating in stationary or moving patrol modes, increasing enforcement capabilities and deputy efficiency in the field.

The Kenton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive traffic enforcement and public safety while continuing to address concerns from the citizens we proudly serve.