On Tuesday night, surrounded by family and about two dozen friends, former Leitchfield Police Chief Kevin Henderson was sworn-in as Grayson County Judge-Executive by County Attorney Clay Ratley on the second floor of the old courthouse on the Town Square.
Henderson, who served 27 years in law enforcement before being selected by Gov. Matt Bevin to serve as Judge-Executive, was dapperly dressed as his wife, Missy, held the Bible while the lifetime Grayson County resident took the oath of office.
It was a Who’s Who of Grayson County movers and shakers who watched and gave support as Henderson was sworn-in, including Future Designs owner Kevin Brooks, Pharis Electric and GC EMS owner Kevin Pharis, Sheriff Norman Chaffins, State Sen. Steve Meredith, County PVA Ernie Perkins, County Clerk Sherry Weedman, County Coroner Joe Brad Hudson, Jailer Jason Woosley, former Grayson County Deputy Sheriff Bryan Hammons, current deputies Taylor Logsdon and Fred Norder, and LPD officers Bart Glenn and Chase Melton, among others.
“Everyone in this room means so much to me,” Henderson said, “I never thought 27 years ago that I’d be standing here.”
Recognizing the new territory he is about to enter, Henderson said, “If I fall down, I’ll pick myself up and dust myself off” and keep working. And in a gesture recognizing the boss in the Henderson household, and earning robust laughter and nodding agreement from a knowing crowd, the new Judge-Executive said he’d “like to thank my wife for allowing me to do this.”
Henderson’s 27 years as a police officer include 17 years with the Leitchfield Police Department, the last four years as chief, eight years with Kentucky State Police” and two combined years with the Grayson County and Edmonson County Sheriff’s Offices.
“LPD is my family and they always will be,” Henderson said, before noting that he will be in his new office on Wednesday morning, and will “hit the ground running” after he meets with the officers of the Leitchfield Police Department.
Henderson ended his brief remarks by saying, “Pray for me and thank you for all your support. It means so much to me.”
Kevin and Missy Henderson have been married for 24 years, and have five children, Lauren (19 years old), Dylan (22), Gavin (14), Logan (11), and Aiden (7).
Henderson will serve in the post until Dec. 31, 2018, after which the winner of the 2018 General Election will assume the office.
The Henderson family
