Four year anniversary of fallen Nicholasville Police officer’s death

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) — Monday marks four years since Nicholasville Police officer Burke Rhoads was killed in a car accident.

A memorial service was held in his honor out in front of Nicholasville City Hall.

“Here’s a guy who was a father, a husband, a son, who had kids, who dedicated his life to the military then came back and dedicated it to law enforcement here to protect our communities,” says Sergeant Kevin Grimes of Nicholasville PD.

He was on his way to an officer training in Richmond when a vehicle hit him on U.S. 27 at the Jessamine-Garrard County line. He was 35 at the time.

The eight-year-veteran of the department left behind a wife and three children.

“We try to make sure the family is still cared for even after he’s gone which I don’t know if that happens in other walks of life but I know here we will always be with this family,” says Grimes.

Dozens were at the celebration of Officer Rhoad’s life.

Nicholasville Police chief Todd Justice and pastor and former Lexington Police officer Trent Snyder spoke at the service.

Sergeant Grimes says Rhoads was a great guy to work with and very respected in the community.

Pastor Snyder talked about how officers wake up each day and put on their uniforms, uncertain of what dangers may lie ahead.

Sergeant Grimes says those thoughts never go away.

He says the department and community will never forget Rhoads and the legacy he leaves behind.