Hardin County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

06/11/2026

School may be out for the summer, but Ranger and Wilbur still enjoy making new friends. 🐾

Today, our canine partners stopped by Sky’s the Limit in Etown for a visit with some local children, and judging by the smiles, the visit was a success. 👏🏼

Ranger and Wilbur serve alongside their handlers and partners, School Resource Officers Deputy Daniel Padilla and Deputy Kelsey Overton. They are working law enforcement therapy dogs who throughout the school year, spend time in our schools helping students feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged.

While classes may be on summer break, opportunities to connect with children in our community never stop. Today’s visit was a chance for Ranger and Wilbur to spend some time with local kids, share a few tail wags, accept plenty of pets, and brighten a few days along the way.

Thank you to Sky’s the Limit for welcoming Ranger, Wilbur, and their handlers. We have a feeling these two four-legged deputies made quite a few new friends today🙌🏼

06/09/2026

Yesterday, Deputy Daniel Shumate was presented the Hodgenville Police Department’s Meritorious Service Award for his role in helping bring a potentially tragic situation to a peaceful resolution.

On May 15, Deputy Shumate assisted HPD officers during a mental health crisis involving an armed individual. Through patience, communication, training, and teamwork, officers were able to safely de-escalate the situation and help the individual surrender without injury.

Mental health calls are often some of the most challenging calls law enforcement officers face. They require compassion, professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to protecting everyone involved, including the person in crisis.

While these incidents rarely make headlines when they end peacefully, they represent some of the most important work our deputies do every day.

We are proud of Deputy Shumate and grateful for the partnership between the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Hodgenville Police Department in serving our communities.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Shumate on this well-deserved recognition.

👏🏼 Congratulations, Deputy Shumate!

06/04/2026

When Nothing Bundt Cakes makes a special delivery to the Sheriff’s Office… let’s just say we’re Nothing Bundt excited 😄

A huge Thank You to the team NBC Elizabethtown for the delicious surprise and for supporting the men and women of the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. We appreciate you!

Obviously Sergeant Volentine was happy to sample the goods 😋🍰

05/30/2026

For anyone interested in honoring Firefighter Ryan Druen and paying their respects, Elizabethtown Fire Department has released the procession schedule.

Honoring Firefighter Ryan Druen

Today, Saturday, May 30th, our community will stand together to honor the life and service of Firefighter Ryan Druen as he makes his final journey home.

The procession is expected to depart Louisville at 1:00 p.m. and travel south on I-65 with an anticipated arrival at Brooks Funeral Home in Munfordville at approximately 2:21 p.m.

Estimated procession times:

* Brooks – 1:27 p.m.
* Shepherdsville – 1:33 p.m.
* Lebanon Junction – 1:41 p.m.
* Elizabethtown – 1:50 p.m.
* Glendale – 1:56 p.m.
* Sonora – 2:00 p.m.
* Upton – 2:04 p.m.
* Bonnieville – 2:12 p.m.
* Brooks Funeral Home (Munfordville) – 2:21 p.m.

Fire departments from across the region, including Louisville, Bullitt County, all Hardin County fire departments, Munfordville Fire Department, and many others, will be positioned on overpasses along the route with fire apparatus displaying their respect and support. Elizabethtown firefighters will be stationed at each Elizabethtown overpass, with the 91 and 94 overpasses reserved for EFD personnel, family, and friends.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department will be escorting the procession with multiple apparatus and personnel, while Shepherdsville Fire Department has graciously agreed to provide coverage for any emergency calls during this time.

Community members wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to do so from overpasses and other SAFE locations along the route. Please remember that safety is the top priority for everyone gathering to honor Ryan’s service and sacrifice.

Please keep Ryan’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters in your thoughts today as we join together to celebrate a life dedicated to serving others.

Kentucky State Police
Hardin County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
Central Hardin Fire Department
Shepherdsville Fire Department
Valley Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Radcliff Fire Department
Elizabethtown Police Department

05/29/2026

With heavy hearts, we stand alongside our fellow first responders in mourning the loss of Firefighter Ryan Druen.

Every first responder understands a difficult reality — no matter the call, no matter the shift, and no matter how routine something may seem, there is always the possibility of running toward danger when others are running away.

Today, we ask our community to join us in lifting up Firefighter Druen’s family, friends, members of the Elizabethtown Fire Department, and everyone impacted by this tremendous loss.

Though we wear different uniforms and serve in different roles, we all understand the commitment that comes with answering the call to serve others…a commitment that can come at great personal sacrifice.

Please keep all who loved and served alongside Ryan in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy, hero. Thank you for answering the call.

05/26/2026

✨ Several members of the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, along with members of our sheriff’s office family, participated in this morning’s Special Olympics Torch Run.

Our runners were joined by Kentucky State Police Post 4 as they began the run on US 62, completing the equivalent of a 5K before handing the torch off to runners with the Elizabethtown Police Department.

It was definitely a soggy run, but the rain didn’t dampen the spirit behind the event. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is about more than miles — it’s about supporting and raising awareness for Special Olympics Kentucky. 💛

We are proud to take part in an event that brings law enforcement agencies and communities together for such a meaningful cause.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported the runners, and helped keep the route safe this morning. 🙌🏼

Even K9 Wilbur - Therapy Dog, our West Hardin Middle School therapy canine, joined in on the 5K this morning to kick off his summer break. 🐾

05/25/2026

Saturday evening at the Vine Grove VFW Post 10281 First Responders Dinner and Awards, Deputy Steve Witte was recognized for his dedicated service to both his country and community throughout his entire adult life.

Deputy Witte served six years in the United States Army, spent 22 years with the Radcliff Police Department retiring as a Lieutenant, and has continued serving the citizens of Hardin County for the past 11 years with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.

Steve is respected not only for his experience, but for his work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to serving the citizens of Hardin County.

We are proud to see his dedication recognized and honored. Congratulations, Deputy Witte, and thank you for your continued
service. 🇺🇸🚔

05/23/2026

We received a direct message this evening from a gentleman who was nearly reeled in by scammers. Scammers work hard at scamming and know exactly how to create urgency and fear to steal from people. In this case, they spoofed real sheriff’s office numbers, used an officer’s name, sent fake warrants, and pressured the victim into almost believing immediate action was required.

Thankfully, no money was lost — but we hope you can see how someone could be deceived. Please stay alert and always verify suspicious calls directly with the agency.

These scams are often run by organized professional operations whose only goal is to create fear and pressure people into sending money.

With this gentleman’s permission, we wanted to share his report. You would be surprised at the number of people who never thought they could fall for a scam… until they did.

05/22/2026

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, we at the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office want to pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

As you travel and spend time with family this weekend, please do so safely and take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

God Bless America 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

School’s out… and we think K9 Wilbur - Therapy Dog may already be missing his friends. 🐾

Today marked the last day of school for students across Hardin County. Throughout the school year, Wilbur and his partner, Deputy Overton, spent countless hours building friendships, offering comfort, and bringing smiles to students and staff.

One parent shared with us today how much Beckham loves Deputy Overton and Wilbur and how thankful they are for the positive impact they’ve made during the school year. Moments like that are a reminder of just how important these relationships are.

Pictured with Wilbur today is his buddy Beckham saying their see you laters.

We hope all of our students, teachers, staff, and families have a safe and enjoyable summer! ☀️🐶
West Hardin Middle School Hardin County Schools - Kentucky