Hopkins County, state officials break ground on new law enforcement training facility

The City of Madisonville, Hopkins County leaders and state officials were in Madisonville on Wednesday, where they broke ground on the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s new law facility.

This facility allows for law enforcement officers looking to take basic training, to stay here on this side of the state, instead of having to travel hours to Richmond. When completed, hopefully by September 2027, the $50 million campus known as the Department Of Criminal Justice Training West: Gaines-Brown campus will house two buildings.

Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton says this will benefit both officers and communities, saving time and travel for officers, and on wait time and money for local governments.

Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson represented Governor Andy Beshear that the event, and he says is continually impressed by the courage and dedication exhibited by law enforcement officers across the state. He thanked all of them for their sacrifices and their willingness to serve.

Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy BrIonna Ray was one of the graduating members of the first class trained in Madisonville, and she says a permanent facility shows the long-term investment communities are willing to make to support their law enforcement.

The two buildings have been named in honor of two individuals, which was unveiled at the ceremony. The J. Michael Brown Administration Building will be a 42,800-square-foot classroom and administration building providing learning space, offices and recruit showers and changing areas and the 30,625-square-foot Peanut Gaines High Bay building will house an open training area, additional classroom space and gym equipment.