Scott County Sheriff’s Office mourns unexpected death of deputy and school resource officer

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office announced the unexpected death of Deputy David Hodapp, an 11-year veteran of the force and School Resource Officer at Scott County High School.

The sheriff’s office detailed that Deputy Hodapp died unexpectedly Thursday morning. He served the sheriff’s office for a total of 11 years, most recently spending more than four years back with the department after a brief break in service.

During his tenure, Hodapp worked as a Field Training Officer, a detective, and a School Resource Officer. The sheriff’s office said he found his true calling serving students at Scott County High School.

Officials said Hodapp previously took a break from law enforcement after experiencing a family tragedy. He later used that experience to connect with students and citizens facing similar hardships, using his calm demeanor to de-escalate situations and help those in need, a post on social media read.

Beyond the schools, Hodapp was highly involved in the community. He spent time visiting nursing homes, working with the Explorer Program, and dedicating two weeks every summer to the Ed Davis Summer Camp, the post explained. He also attended local sporting events, adopted dogs from the animal shelter, and participated in community events like trunk-or-treats.

“We will miss his ever-positive attitude and always smiling face,” the Scott County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Scott County Schools also released a statement following Hodapp’s death:

“Today, the Scott County High School family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of our School Resource Officer, Deputy David Hodapp.

Deputy Hodapp was far more than a presence in our halls—he was a steady, caring, and trusted adult who made it his mission to build genuine connections with our students. Whether it was a quick conversation between classes, offering guidance during difficult moments, or simply sharing a smile, he created a sense of safety and belonging for so many. Students knew they could go to him not just as an officer, but as someone who truly listened and cared.

For our staff, Deputy Hodapp was a beloved coworker and friend. His positive spirit, calm demeanor, and ability to bring light into even the most challenging days made a lasting impact on our school community. He approached every situation with compassion and understanding, and his dedication to our students never went unnoticed.

We are incredibly grateful for the time he spent with us and for the countless lives he touched at SCHS. His legacy will live on in the relationships he built and the care he showed each and every day.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Hodapp’s family, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

He will always be a part of the SCHS family.”

Visitation for Deputy Hodapp is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, at the Georgetown Church of the Nazarene. His patrol vehicle will be parked at the site for anyone wishing to leave a memorial.