|
By SHARON K. HALL and JORDAN THOMAS HALL
Knott County Sheriff Ray Bolen officially took an early retirement
June 30, midway through his second term. Bolen intended to retire
at the end of his term but he cited several personal reasons
for accelerating his plans.
Bolen stated that after turning 64 last month he felt like it
was best for the county to be served by a younger sheriff. Grandchildren
were another reason for his decision. He and his wife, Ollie,
who also worked in the Sheriff's Office, felt like the grandchildren
were growing up too quickly and they wanted to spend more time
with them.
Sheriff Bolen leaves behind a legacy of stern marijuana eradication,
illegal drug confiscation, child support collection, unlock service,
and a passion for serving the people of Knott County. He earned
several recognitions and plaques throughout his seven years of
service to Knott County.
"My decision to leave the Sheriff's post was made easier
because of the fine deputies, security guards, and clerks that
are in place," said Bolen. They are to be commended for
their teamwork in performing their duties of the Sheriff's Office.
My staff have been with me a long time and perform a very responsible
and dedicated job."
A recent audit was performed in the Sheriff's office, typical
when a sheriff vacates his position. Bolen explained the audit
was positive and concluded that all the checks and balances were
in place. Thus leaving the Sheriff's Office in proper order.
During Sheriff Bolen's tenure, the Sheriff's Department secured
several grants to obtain high tech policing tools and enhanced
the fleet of cruisers. In June 2007, a federal homeland security
grant made it possible for the Sheriff's department to purchase
a thermal infrared camera. The handheld tool is used to assist
with police investigations and law enforcement applications such
as search and rescue.
Last year, taser guns were purchased as a tool in subduing an
out of control person. Training was also made available by the
grant. Tasers did not replace the officers" firearms but
were added to their belt.
In addition to moving the Sheriff's Department into a high tech
operation, the sheriff placed importance in the appearance of
the Knott County Sheriff's Department. Continuing to improve
the department, Bolen worked to purchase an entire fleet of cruisers.
Six new black and white cruisers were visible throughout the
county in 2007 as Bolen and his deputies performed their duties.
Walking into the office is impressive as the Sheriff's staff
undertook a project to recognize every sheriff that served Knott
County since its formation in 1884. The wall in the office is
lined with framed 8x10 pictures with service dates of all the
sheriffs that were located.
Sheriff Bolen has an interesting and varied background. He worked
in the railroad industry in Ohio, a garage in Garrett, worked
to train horses and dogs for a living, worked in National Mines
for 16 years, served as a deputy under Jimmy Amburgey, was a
Hindman City Police officer under Mayor Ken Blair, and performed
dedicated leadership as Magistrate of District 3 (under Judge
Executives Homer Sawyers and Donnie Newsome), from 1994
2002. Bolen became sheriff on January 2003 and served until his
retirement this week.
Now retired, Bolen hopes to have time for a variety of hobbies,
namely hunting, fishing, training animals, gardening, and traveling.
Reflecting on his life he said, "The best part of my life
is my family, grandchildren, and raising my girls."
Judge Executive Randy Thompson said, "I wish Sheriff Bolen
and Ollie would remain and not decide to retire. I wish them
well and much happiness. KRS, (Kentucky law), statutes states
that Knott County Corner Jeff Blair shall become acting sheriff
until I feel comfortable with an appointee."
At 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Blair became acting sheriff
of Knott County. Blair expressed, "Like Randy, I hate to
see Ray retire. As part of the coroner's duties I will serve
as acting sheriff and continue to run the Sheriff's office in
the same good service that it has been run until Judge Thompson
appoints the new sheriff. The main thing I will focus on is the
administrative duties until the new sheriff is appointed."
Bolen worked closely with the Times and will be truly missed.
One of his favorite memories with the newspaper was when he received
an unusual call to remove an alligator from the creek. Without
the thought of potential danger he jumped in and grabbed the
dangerous animal by his bare hands.
It is difficult to say goodbye to a sheriff that has performed
above and beyond his duty. We wish Ray and Ollie well in their
retirement.
See the current issue of
the Troublesome Creek Times for this and other stories.
|
