KENTUCKY CONSTABLE ASSOCIATION
IN 2025, BULLITT COUNTY PROUDLY WELCOMED CONSTABLES AND THEIR FAMILIES! THANKS FOR COMING AND YOU ARE WELCOME TO RETURN AND ENJOY THE TOURISM AVAILABLE HERE!
Our November 29, 2025 Meeting, Banquet and Awards Program was another opportunity for Members and their families to enjoy an awesome meal and have fellowship, music, door prizes and raffles as well as awards.
Throughout the night members and their families experienced melancholy joy as they engaged in the program though reticent with the loss of KCA member and fellow Constable Jerry Edwards (EOW 11/4/2025) and with the injury of our valued and irreplaceable friend and colleague, Richard VanHoose. Richard was injured the night before this event in a horrific gas explosion. Our thanks to our KCA Chaplain, Richard Castrati who conducted prayers for our lost or injured Constable Brothers.
The meeting was convened at 6 pm est. We were quite pleased with our special guest who came by to speak with us during our meeting, Jonathan Holliday, Candidate for the U. S. Senate.
Following the Meeting, we began the Banquet.
After the banquet, with about 60 members and their family members present, 24 people were recognized and awarded for their commitment to the Office of Constable. While a couple of these people weren’t present we will present their awards on a later date.
Nominations and Voting was conducted through the entire membership for Association Member of the Year. After voting was complete the 2025 Kentucky Constable Association Member of the Year is Richard L. VanHoose. We will be taking him his plaque on a later date.
Left to Right:
Member of the Year Honorable Mentions Chris Kleymeyer and David Donathan, Assisting with Awards KCA Chaplain Richard Castrati, KCA Member of the Year Runner Up Jedediah Lamb, KCA President Micheal Saylor
The 2025 Kentucky Constable of the Year Nominations and Voting were conducted through the entire membership and from Citizens across Kentucky. This years chosen Constable of the Year was Martin County Constable, Brad Preece from the Association’s East Region. Also from the Association’s East Region, our 2025 Kentucky Constable of the Year Runner-Up is Johnson County Constable and Eastern Regional Director, Tim Branham. More than 500 votes were cast for our 6 nominees in this years voting. This was the closest race we’ve seen since we began Statewide voting for this award. Also recognized with certificates were nominees Eric Augustus, McCracken County; Darrin Albro, Muhlenberg County Richard VanHoose, Boyd County; Shannon Leach, Jefferson County who finished 3rd thru 6th place respectively,
From left to right, KCA Sergeant at Arms Gary Ervin, KCA Treasurer Samantha Smiley, KCA Vice President Larry Watkins (front), KCA Professional Standards Director Shelby Toler (back), KCA Executive Director David Puckett 9(hidden in back row), Kentucky Constable of the Year Martin County Constable Brad Preece, Kentucky Constable of the Year Runner Up Johnson County Constable Tim Branham, Constable of the Year Honorable Mention Muhlenberg County Constable Darrin Albro(back row), KCA Chaplain Richard Castrati(back row), Constable of the Year Honorable Mention Jefferson County Constable Shannon Leach(back row), and KCA President Micheal Saylor. Richard VanHoose could not be present but will receive his Honorable Mention Certificate on a later date.
The 2025 Training Excellence Award went to Washington County Constable David Donathan. Receiving “Training Excellence” Honorable Mention Certificates were Richard Castrati, Michael Saylor, David Moss, Gary Ervin.
(left to right in photo) Gary Ervin receiving Honorable Mention , 2025 Training Excellence Winner David Donathan, receiving Honorable Mention Richard Castrati (in back), KCA Training Advisor Christopher Kleymeyer(presenting awards), receiving Honorable Mentions Micheal Saylor and David Moss.
The 2025 Above and Beyond Award recognized Clark County Constable’s Association, Members David W Puckett – Shelby L. Toler – William F Kennon – Travis J. McIntosh. These 4 Constables began an Association within their county that stands as an example to all Kentucky counties of synergy and professionalism.
From left to right, Clark County District 4 Constable David Puckett and Clark County District 3 Constable Shelby Toler. (not present were Constables William F Kennon and Travis J. McIntosh. They will receive their awards on a later date.
2025 President’s Selfless Sacrifice Award went to Hardin County Constable John Bays who selflessly assists the President and the entire Association through out the year stepping up, usually without being asked. His assistance helps the KCA to reach our goal of training excellence.
Pictured left to right: 2025 Presidents Selfless Sacrifice Award Winner John Bays, KCA Chaplain Richard Castrati and KCA President Micheal Saylor.
Next came the “2025 Cyber Academy Training Award”. This award goes to Constable Austin R G Ramsey of Wayne County. This award recognizes Constables and Deputies for training received through KCA approved sources for accredited online training in Law Enforcement subjects and courses.
pictured left to right, KCA Vice President Larry Watkins, 2025 Cyber Award Winner Austin R G Ramsey and KCA Training Advisor Christopher Kleymeyer
The 2025 Duty Handgun Qualification Award was next. These awards went to the top 95 Percentile of Handgun Qualifiers. This #1 Qualifier from our June or October qualifying events, firing with 100% accuracy, from distances including 7 feet, 25 feet, 50 feet and 75 feet, was Henry County Constable Gary Ervin. Other Constables recognized were Chris Kleymeyer shooting 98%, John Bays shooting 98% and Jedediah Lamb 96%. The awards include; Certificates, Weapons Expert Badge of Silver oxidized metal as well as a Black Pistol Expert Citation Bar.
We next recognized those instructors from across the U. S. who gave selflessly of themselves to train some of the greatest Law Enforcement Officers in the State, Constables. This year Sergeant Timothy Cleary and KCA Training Advisor Chris Kleymeyer were recognized for the 2025 EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AWARD
Pictured left to right: Shelby County Constable and KCA Training Advisor Christopher Kleymeyer, Hardin County Detention Center Training Director Sergeant Tim Cleary and KCA President Micheal Saylor.
Our friends at Fort Knox weren’t able to attend tonight, however, on a later date we will present them with this Certificate of Appreciation for continuing to provide training support to Kentucky Constables.
Thanks to Everyone who came out and Thank You Members for making 2025 another great year in training!
