Pulaski County sheriff warns of staffing shortfall as deputies consider leaving

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones told the county fiscal court that he has spoken with eight deputies in the last two weeks who have expressed an intention to leave, and that the office faces near-term retirements and potential losses that could reduce patrol coverage.

Jones delivered the update during the court's regular session. "I have spoken to eight different deputies in the last two weeks about their intentions of leaving," Jones said, adding that pay and family insurance costs are driving some deputies to consider other employers.

The sheriff outlined staffing numbers and timelines to explain the shortfall. "Our start pay for new deputies is $18.25 an hour," Jones said. He added that the office covers 100% of employee health insurance but that family coverage remains costly: "We pay 100% of the employee's insurance and with only a $2,000 deductible ... it's costing us $1,200 a month for each employee." Jones said many newer deputies are forming families and weighing benefits when deciding whether to stay.

Jones also warned that hiring and training take time. "It takes almost a year for a deputy to be able to work independently on their own after they're hired," he said, describing academy enrollment and a 16-week field training (FTO) program before a recruit is fully independent.

The sheriff said two deputies have announced retirements in 2025 and that the office hired one academy-certified deputy earlier in the week who will enter the FTO program. He estimated the sheriff's office currently has about 72 employees and said that, after the school resource officer (SRO) transfers and known retirements, the staff would fall to roughly 60.

Jones said the Pulaski County Board of Education has elected to take over its SRO program and that, "At May or June, they'll be now signed over to the Board of Education," reducing the sheriff's office by an estimated 12 SRO positions. When a magistrate asked whether deputies would be available in summer months, Jones said the SROs would not return to sheriff service in the summer after the transfer.

Jones described possible operational impacts if multiple deputies leave simultaneously: reduced hours, fewer deputies in each district and a need to prioritize emergency calls. He said he has discussed the issue with the county treasurer and judge and is exploring options but is not formally asking the fiscal court for additional funding at this meeting. "I'm not asking for money at this time," Jones said, but he urged the court to "look outside the box" at retention options.

Jones thanked fiscal court for past support and said he and his staff are examining alternatives, including outreach to the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association. He repeatedly stressed that the office's ability to maintain 24/7 coverage depends on retention and timely hiring.

Court members did not take a formal vote on funding during the session; Jones invited individualized follow-up conversations about staffing options.

The sheriff's report also noted broader budget pressures countywide, including higher health-insurance costs and reduced road-maintenance capacity, which Jones said complicate options for raises or benefit changes.

Jones closed by noting the department's accomplishments and the personal toll of recruiting and retention: "They do it for the love of the job," he said, while warning that pay and benefits will shape whether deputies stay.

The fiscal court did not adopt a formal funding change during the meeting; Jones said he would continue to work with the judge, treasurer and court on retention measures.