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Public safety chiefs report staffing gains; corrections vacancies fall to 18
Summary
At a July 3, 2025 Social Services and Public Safety Committee meeting, chiefs from Lexington's public safety divisions gave an annual update on recruitment, retirement and retention, reporting notable gains but warning staffing levels will continue to fluctuate.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — At a July 3, 2025 Social Services and Public Safety Committee meeting, chiefs from Lexington's public safety divisions gave an annual update on recruitment, retirement and retention, reporting notable gains but warning staffing levels will continue to fluctuate.
The update, presented by Chief Colvin (Corrections), Chief Weathers (Police) and Chief Wells (Fire), emphasized a mix of paid incentives, targeted recruiting and expanded wellness and mentoring supports as drivers of recent improvements. "We pay new employees a $3,000 sign on bonus. You can get $1,000 for bringing a member to the division," Chief Colvin said, and noted that police also receive a "$3,000 lump sum" tied to state incentive funds.
The chiefs gave several concrete measures and metrics. Chief Colvin said corrections vacancies have fallen from a reported low of 124 vacancies to 18. Police provided digital-recruiting numbers dating to April 2023: 8,302,528…
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