Hopkinsville Police officers were sworn into duty and Hopkinsville Firefighters were recognized for their recent promotions at Wednesday’s special called Hopkinsville City Council meeting.
Following the law enforcement recognitions, the council approved their 2024-2025 fiscal year operational and capital budgets and discussed council member conduct from their recent Committee of the Whole meeting.
From the Hopkinsville Police Department, Officers Tanner Reneer, William Flood, Chris Little and Detective Danielle O’Hara were sworn in by Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight.
After the officers were sworn in, Hopkinsville Police Chief, Jason Newby presented Detective Ryan Bufford with an individual commendation award for his work in the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit which formed in August 2023. Newby says Bufford has led multiple investigations which has resulted in 159 charges being brought against criminals attempting to harm children.
Moving to firefighter promotions, Hopkinsville Fire Chief, Steve Futrell announced that Marc London was promoted to the rank of battalion chief, Curtis Sauers was promoted to the rank of captain and Zachary Lundberg was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Before the council voted on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year members from the local nonprofit Men2Be spoke during public comments encouraging the council to pass the budget which includes $36,000 to support the nonprofit. Men2Be works to empower adolescent males academically and socially.
Paulette Robinson from Men2Be emphasized the importance of supporting those working to empower and provide today’s youth with the tools for success.
The council went on to approve the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on first reading. Along with the budget the council also approved designating around $12,000 to install new doors in the Council Chamber that will feature a handicap opening button that will be compliant with the American Disability Act.
Before the budget was approved at Wednesday’s meeting, it was discussed and revised at the May 9 Committee of the Whole meeting. During public comments, Ward 10 Council Member, Steve Keel apologized to Holly Boggess from Community and Development Services (CDS) and to the Hopkinsville Local Development Corporation (LDC) for how he came across during their budget discussions earlier in the month.
Boggess along with Peg Hayes from the LDC spoke during as well about Keel’s conduct at the meeting on May. Boggess thanked those that apologized on behalf of the council and is hopeful they can move forward in a constructive and positive manner.
In response to the matter, Ward 1 Council Member, Natasha Francis says she wants to motion to have Keel removed as the Chair of the Committee of the Whole. Francis’ motion could not be issued at Wednesday’s meeting because it was not on the agenda.