He thought a career as a police officer might never come to fruition, then two phone calls changed his path.
New Caneyville Police Chief Brandon Brooks — not to be confused with the Kentucky State Trooper from Grayson Co. with the same name – credits a longtime friend and two unexpected phone calls with leading him to where he finds himself today.
“The thing that led me to law enforcement was a friend,” the Caneyville native said. “I was 20-years-old when my friend and I were working at Mid-Park Roadway Construction. We discussed trying to be police officers. Both of us had been working out and trying to get into shape, which was much easier back then just being fresh out of high school.”
But as circumstances often do, they changed.
“Unfortunately,” Brooks stated, “my friend found a different career path while I still had the ambition to pursue law enforcement.”
The burgeoning police officer mustered the nerve to apply at a police department. And just as his friend’s decision to pursue a different path was disappointing, Brooks was frustrated when he was not chosen to join the force. But his resolve wasn’t dented.
“I found myself continuing factory work. But I still had the desire to become an officer and help people in the community.”
Brooks worked for a temp agency for a while, and in 2013 received the first of two phone calls that would alter his journey.
“I received a call from the Grayson County Detention Center (GCDC), asking if I was still interested in a job.”
Brooks, who previously applied at the detention center, had given up hope of having a career in law enforcement. After all, he was turned down by one police department, and after applying and not hearing back, he didn’t think the detention center would offer him a job.
After receiving the job offer, Brooks leapt at the chance and joined the staff at the GCDC as a deputy jailer. He was, unsurprisingly, promoted early in his career to a third shift Captain.
The job, while challenging, gave Brooks a sense of the sense of comradery that law enforcement officers of all varieties feel for with another.
“Throughout the years of employment at Grayson County Detention Center, I was able to see another side of law enforcement that most don’t get to see. I was able to work with a great crew of people, including my brother, cousin and childhood friend. I was very grateful for the opportunity Jailer Jason Woosley gave me, trusting me to lead a team on third shift for most of my career.”
In 2019, though, after six years at the detention center, Brooks made an unexpected decision.
“In 2019 I decided to take a one-shot opportunity that was given to me,” he said. “Which was to start working for an electric company in Louisville called Ready Electric … I always found it interesting how electrical work was done.”
Brooks had been working for Ready Electric for about a year when he received yet another phone call that altered the direction of his life.
“I received a call from an individual asking if I would be interested in the Caneyville police position,” Brooks said.
Additionally, the person told Brooks he would recommend the Caneyville City Council hire him as its new police chief. At that time, though, Brooks had other thoughts.
“I actually told him no. I was enjoying the new line of work I was in, as it was one of my goals to try to become an electrician,” Brooks said.
Although he initially turned down the opportunity to explore becoming Caneyville’s new police chief, the seed had been planted and, with the passing of time, Brooks began to reconsider his options. He loved what he was doing, but the lure of working in law enforcement as a police officer lingered in his mind.
“Months had gone by after speaking with this individual (about the Caneyville police chief slot) and it had me thinking about applying for the position. (Being a police officer) was the career I had tried for when I was 20,” said Brooks, who is now 32-years-old, “and I had always mentioned to my fellow employees at the jail that if I could police, I would want to do it for Caneyville.”
Caneyville holds a special place in Brooks’ heart. He grew up there and has fond memories of “playing behind the old school in the summer, late nights on the basketball courts, and running around with all my cousins.”
“Caneyville,” he said, “is my hometown. No matter where I’m at, this place will always be home to me.”
The attraction of working as a police officer in Caneyville, as the months wore on, continued to weigh on Brooks’ mind.
“So, I was itching to get back into law enforcement work. I always had wanted to do this type of work for as long as I can remember; to help other individuals,” he stated.
After giving serious consideration to the opportunity to work as Caneyville police chief, Brooks then took the next step and decided to pursue the prospect by applying for the job.
He, of course, was hired. In July 2022, Brooks left his wife Aleesha and their two sons to attend the Department of Criminal Justice Training Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy in Richmond.
“It was a challenge leaving home and my family to take the 20 weeks of training, but that is what I wanted to accomplish,” Brooks said.
He graduated from the academy in December 2022 and returned triumphantly to his hometown as the new police chief. Brooks, though, remains humble and is appreciative of those who supported him as he endeavored to work as a police officer.
“There are so many other great officers in our Grayson County community who I respect; many I believe deserve the chief title before I do. My intentions were to become an officer for Caneyville and help our community. But, I am thankful that Caneyville Mayor James Paul Embry and the City Council put faith in me to protect and serve Caneyville.”
Brooks is self-aware and realizes he is a rookie officer, with many aspects of the job still to be learned and the title of “chief” still to be earned.
“Being considered the new chief of police for Caneyville is pretty special to me, but the title ‘chief’ hasn’t grown on me yet. I feel like I have to grow into that title.”
He indeed intends to grow into the position, but as any good officer, Brooks has a solid, community policing-based plan for how he believes police business should be conducted.
“To me what Caneyville needs is an officer who is going to be a visual presence and active partner in the community who recognizes the needs and safety of the people, local businesses, and neighbors,” Brooks said. “It is important to show your community you’re willing to put in the work and effort to help provide for a safe community.”
Wise words from such a new officer.
Brooks, who comes from a tight-knit family, credits his grandfather for playing a role in forming his thoughts and beliefs on policing and what that entails.
“My approach to enforcing the law is simple — be fair and honest. Have integrity in dealing with people going through difficult times or making bad choices. My grandfather always said to ‘treat people with kindness and respect, walk around in their shoes.’ I intend to follow his advice. I want to be found as a person who is fair but firm. I will uphold the law as I’m sworn to do, and in doing that make Caneyville a safer, better place to live.”
With the 12-year journey Brooks navigated to become a police officer having reached its conclusion, he is excited about the unique challenges he faces. The native son knows it’s a new beginning for him and the citizens of Caneyville, who he anticipates will do their part to help him improve the community.
“I look forward to having an opportunity to make a difference and hope that the citizens will meet me in that endeavor,” he said. “There is a lot of talk about ‘cleaning up Caneyville,’ and that starts with everyone who calls Caneyville their home — If you want a better hometown, it starts with each one doing their part. Together we can make great changes.”
(Headline photo: Caneyville Police Chief Brandon Brooks, submitted)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
