Mayor Names Lexington’s New Police Chief

The announcement comes a little less than a week after a search committee interviewed all four candidates who applied to the opening.

The committee made the final recommendation to the mayor Sunday night, the city said.

According to the city, Barnard has been with the department for 28 years. He currently serves as one of the department’s assistant chiefs and oversees the Bureau of Investigation.

Barnard holds a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

After the press conference on Monday, Barnard showed some emotion as he looks onto leading what he calls, “a great department.”

"We sacrifice a lot. It’s emotional because I know how much they want to serve this community, Barnard said. “To be representative of the body and soul of these people that sacrifice everyday is overwhelming."

Barnard will officially start as chief on January 12th.

Current Chief Ronnie Bastin was appointed to serve as Lexington’s Commissioner of Public Safety. He will officially begin that position on January 19th.

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To see our previous story on the four candidates that applied for the position, click here.