RICHMOND, Ky. (WSIL) -- Gov. Andy Beshear officially opened a new law enforcement training facility in Richmond, Ky., honoring fallen officer Jody Cash. The facility aims to enhance public safety across the commonwealth with intensive training.
“Today we are here to remember Chief Deputy Jody Cash and honor his legacy by dedicating this new training facility,� Gov. Beshear said. “I’m grateful for our partners who helped make this project happen, and my family and I are praying for the safety of each recruit and officer who passes through these doors.�
The Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility, a 42,794-square-foot building, includes a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range. It supports training for all Kentucky law enforcement agencies.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide recruits and students with the advanced training they need to face the evolving challenges of law enforcement,� said Department of Criminal Justice Training Commissioner Mike Bosse. “By equipping our officers with the skills and experience necessary to protect and serve, we will create a safer Kentucky for generations to come.�
Wayne Cash, Jody Cash's father, emphasized the importance of safety and efficiency for officers training at the new facility.Â
“Our hope is that the training received in this new facility will enable everyone who passes through it to do their job safely, efficiently and courteously and return safely to their family at the end of each day,� Wayne Cash said.
Jody Cash served in law enforcement for 22 years, serving with the Kentucky State Police, Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Murray State University Police. He also worked as a peer mentor with the Department of Criminal Justice Training through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar.
In addition to this facility, Beshear's administration has taken steps to support law enforcement, including opening a basic training academy in Western Kentucky. The administration has graduated 1,993 officers from the basic academy since December 2019.
Gov. Beshear has also awarded more than $12 million in grant funding to assist law enforcement agencies and more than $149 million to victim service agencies. Moreover, Kentucky has achieved a low recidivism rate, with nearly 70% of released individuals remaining out of incarceration.
The 2023 Crime in Kentucky report showed stable crime rates with declines in several offenses, including homicide, burglary, robbery and more. The state saw nearly a 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year. The recent budget raises the law enforcement training stipend to $4,562 by fiscal year 2026, marking the first time part-time officers receive this stipend.
